Doctors React As TVC Reporter Criticises Striking Health Workers After ToluwaniSings’ Death.

 

Nigerian doctors have reacted to comments by TVC reporter Riyah Abdul, who criticised healthcare workers for embarking on a strike following the death of gospel singer ToluwaniSings after he reportedly struggled to access medical attention in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The gospel artiste, whose real name was Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, died on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, after reportedly slumping at his residence and being taken to several hospitals.

Reports indicated that attempts to secure medical attention were unsuccessful at some facilities, allegedly because doctors were participating in an ongoing strike.

The singer’s death sparked renewed debate about Nigeria’s healthcare system, the working conditions of medical professionals and the impact of industrial action on patients requiring urgent treatment.

Reacting to the incident, Abdul argued that doctors had taken an oath to save lives and should remain committed to that responsibility, including during periods of industrial action.

She maintained that being a medical professional should not be viewed solely as a means of earning money but also as a commitment to preserving human life.

The reporter also questioned how striking doctors would feel knowing that ToluwaniSings had died after reportedly being unable to obtain medical attention during the industrial action.

Her comments, however, attracted criticism from some Nigerian doctors, who challenged her position on the strike and its implications for healthcare workers.

The dispute has brought renewed attention to the tension between doctors’ demands for improved pay and working conditions and the need to ensure uninterrupted access to emergency medical services.

While the singer’s death has intensified public concern over the state of healthcare delivery in Nigeria, the circumstances surrounding his final hours and the reasons he was reportedly unable to obtain treatment at some hospitals have not been independently established in the account.