By Ayo Ayodele
The family of former Nigerian Ambassador to Togo and veteran journalist, Ambassador Adebowale (Debo) Adesina, has appealed to friends, colleagues, associates and well-wishers for urgent financial assistance following his prolonged hospitalisation after suffering a massive stroke in Canada.
In an emotional appeal signed by his wife, Oluyemisi Debo-Adesina, the family said the former Editor-in-Chief of one of Nigeria’s foremost newspapers suffered the stroke on July 9, 2026, barely two weeks after travelling to Canada to visit his children.
According to the appeal, Adesina travelled to Canada on June 24, 2026, but was rushed to hospital after suffering what his family described as a massive stroke.
He reportedly spent more than one month in the Intensive Care Unit between July 9 and August 11 before being transferred to the General Hospital, where he remains under intensive medical care.
His wife said Adesina had been placed in an induced coma for a prolonged period but was, by God’s grace, gradually beginning to emerge from the coma.
She, however, said his condition remained very serious and that he continued to require intensive medical attention.
“By God’s grace, and after a prolonged period in an induced coma, Debo is gradually beginning to come out of the coma. His condition remains very serious, and he continues to require intensive medical attention and care,” the appeal stated.
The family expressed hope for his recovery but said the prolonged hospitalisation had created an overwhelming financial burden.
According to Oluyemisi Debo-Adesina, outstanding medical bills had exceeded CAD$205,000 as of August 24, 2026, with the costs continuing to rise.
She added that the situation had become more distressing following concerns reportedly raised by the hospital over the continuation of his care unless arrangements were made towards settling the outstanding medical expenses.
The family, therefore, appealed to people whose lives and careers Adesina had touched during his years as a journalist, editor, public intellectual and diplomat to come to his assistance.
Oluyemisi said her husband was known to different people in different capacities, including as a colleague, friend, professional associate and diplomat, and urged them to rally round him during what she described as a particularly vulnerable moment in his life.
“At this particularly vulnerable moment in his life, I am humbly asking you to stand with him and with our family,” she said.
She added that every financial contribution, irrespective of the amount, would help the family meet the mounting medical expenses and secure the continued care Adesina urgently requires.
The former ambassador’s wife also appealed to friends and associates to share the appeal with others who knew him and might be willing to assist.
She said making the appeal had not been easy but had become necessary because of the urgency of the situation and the increasing cost of his medical care.
The family said it remained hopeful of Adesina’s recovery and was relying on prayers, compassion and the generosity of friends and associates during the difficult period.
“On behalf of our children and the entire family, I thank you sincerely for your prayers, your concern, your encouragement and, most importantly at this time, whatever assistance you are able to provide,” she said.
Friends, colleagues and well-wishers willing to support the family have been asked to contact Oluyemisi Debo-Adesina directly for further information on how contributions can be made.