…NARD President Thanks Tinubu, Health Minister for Efforts
The National President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Dr. Tope Osundara, confirmed on Wednesday the release of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a resident doctor abducted nearly a year ago from the Senior Staff Quarters at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna.
Dr. Popoola has now reunited with her family, marking the end of a 10-month ordeal.
Speaking exclusively to PLATFORM TIMES, Dr. Osundara expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, and the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for their active involvement in the case.
“There was no exchange of any form of money. No greasing of palms,” Dr. Osundara clarified, adding, “We thank God for the success of this journey. I must thank our President, as well as the Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, and the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa. Their support was crucial in achieving this outcome.”
Dr. Osundara also praised NARD members across Nigeria for their solidarity, saying, “The President has done very well by us. I must also thank the President of the NMA, Prof. Bala Audu, who was fully involved. Together, we ensured the release of the lady who has a baby she hadn’t seen for almost a year.”
Dr. Popoola, her husband, Squadron Leader Nurudeen Popoola, and her nephew, Folaranmi Abdul-Mugniy, were kidnapped on December 27, 2023. While her husband was released in March 2024, Dr. Popoola and her nephew remained in captivity until now.
Dr. Osundara acknowledged the unwavering support of the NARD community, the Local Organising Committee, and the NMA President, Prof. Audu, whose coordinated efforts contributed significantly to securing Dr. Popoola’s freedom.
