A fast-rising singer in Nigeria, Ifunanya Nwangene, popularly known as Nanyah
*Health Ministry should sanction pharmacies without anti-venom – Fada Oluoma
A fast-rising singer in Nigeria, Ifunanya Nwangene, popularly known as Nanyah, has died after suffering a snake bite at her residence in Abuja on Saturday.
According to report, Nwangene had sought urgent medical attention at two different hospitals but was reportedly left untreated due to the unavailability of anti-venom to fight the disease.
Amemuso Choir, of which Nwangene was a member, confirmed her death in a social media post, describing her as “deeply missed.”
A statement from the group said, “Amemuso Choir regrets to announce the sudden demise of our beloved soprano, Ifunanya Nwangene, who passed away on 31st January 2026 at the Federal Medical Centre due to snake bite,” the statement read. “A rising star, Ifunanya was at the cusp of sharing her incredible talent with the world. Her voice and spirit will be deeply missed.”
Amemuso’s Music Director, Sam Ezugwu, who recounted the final hours of Nwangene, described her race against time that ended tragically.
Ezugwu said he learned of the situation after seeing a social media post from Nwangene requesting help at FMC.
“It was yesterday when I saw a post on her page asking if anyone was near FMC. I called the person with her, and they told me Ifunanya had been bitten by a snake,” he said.
He rushed to the hospital, finding Nwangene in severe distress. Medical personnel informed him that two doses of anti-venom were required, but only one was available and had already been administered.
“I drove 10 minutes to Skylark Pharmacy near National Hospital to get the second dose,” Ezugwu said.
“As I was returning, her friend called to say Ifunanya had died. She passed away at 12:20 p.m.”
Ezugwu explained that hospital officials confirmed treatment was provided immediately upon her arrival at FMC but acknowledged delays earlier during her search for care.
“After the bite, Ifunanya first went to a hospital in Lugbe, but they didn’t have anti-venom. She then took a Bolt to FMC,” he said.
Reacting catholic reverend father, fada Oluoma said on his social media handle that, “Ifunanya’s death could be avoidable. Avoidable deaths are heart breaking, they bring regrets, anger and crushing pains for the very fact that they are avoidable. Ifunanya’s death was avoidable by what i have been told by one of her friends and colleagues in the choral group.
He called on Ministry to sanction pharmacy without anti-venom.
He said, “The ministry of health should make the availability of anti-venom a policy or criterion for licensing pharmacies and hospitals. Any hospital or pharmacy without it should be penalized or shut down.
“Nanya, rest in peace. It is unfortunate that many of us just getting to know you because of your death. You had so much to offer and were already on your way up. I hope you are smiling now and singing to your heart’s content. Rest in peace Nanya,” the cleric said.
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