Nigerian-born UK doctor dies of COVID-19 after being called from retirement

A Nigerian-born British doctor, Dr. Alfa Saadu, who returned from retirement to help in the UK’s battle against the deadly coronavirus pandemic has succumbed to the contagion. 

Dr. Saadu, 68, died from the deadly disease earlier this week. “…He had been fighting the virus for two weeks but he could not fight anymore,” his son Dani said in a social media post.

Dr. Saadu worked at the Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital in Welwyn, Hertfordshire, until his demise.

“‘My dad was a living legend, worked for the NHS for nearly 40 years saving people’s lives here and in Africa,” Dani wrote. “Up until he got sick, he was still working part-time saving people.”

Speaking further to Huffington Post UK, Dani eulogized his father as “a very passionate man, who cared about saving people. As soon as you spoke to him about medicine his face would light up. He worked for the NHS for nearly 40 years in different hospitals across London.” 

“He loved to lecture people in the world of medicine – he did so in the UK and Africa. My dad retired and was working part-time at the Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital in Welwyn, Hertfordshire, until his passing.

“He was a massive family man and we did everything together. Family came first. He left two sons and a wife, who is a retired doctor herself in occupational health,” he added.

Dr. Saadu stepped down from the Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust in 2016 after a glowing career, the Huffington Post UK reported. According to his LinkedIn profile, he graduated from University College London’s medical school in 1976.

Nigeria’s former Senate President Bukola Saraki said Dr. Saadu will be sorely missed, adding he was a man who provided “leadership for our people in the diaspora.”

“My condolences go to the family of late Dr. Alfa Saadu, the people of Pategi and Kwara state on the death of the foremost medical practitioner who passed away in London this morning.

“Late Dr. Saadu provided leadership for our people in the diaspora as he served for many years as chairman, Kwara State Association of Nigeria (Kwasang UK). Back at home, he was a community leader and traditional office holder as Galadima of Pategi. He will be sorely missed,” The Nigerian Tribune quoted Saraki as saying.

Lance McCarthy, the chief executive at the hospital Dr. Saadu worked said in a statement cited by Metro UK that: “Alfa was well-known at the trust for his passion for ensuring our patients received high-quality care.

“He was a committed member of the team and is remembered fondly by many. His family and friends are in our thoughts at this sad time.”