Nigerians on different social media platforms are mourning the
passing of Mayowa Ahmed, a cancer patient whose appeal for public
support sparked online uproar last month.
Ms. Ahmed, 22, died of complications from ovarian cancer, according to reports.
News of Ms. Ahmed’s death circulated Sunday afternoon, first among family and friends before spreading to social media.
“By Allah, in whose hands our lives are, Mayowa Ahmed has left us in
this world. We pray that Jannat becomes her home,” the announcement,
tweeted by @Asiwaju_Foye, read.
The tweet was, however, silent on when Ms. Ahmed died or if the
unfortunate incident occurred where she had been receiving treatment
overseas.
Ms. Ahmed was flown to South Africa earlier this month after
successfully raising nearly N100 million from crowdfunding appeal which
was coordinated by her family and some entertainment celebrities
including Toyin Aimakhu.
The fundraiser suffered a major public relations setback towards the
end of July after reports that the whole process was a scam ignited a
furore on social media.
Ironically, it was Ms. Aimakhu who spearheaded the campaign against
further support for Ms. Mayowa, alleging a conspiracy amongst her family
members to exploit the situation of their loved one for financial gain.
She was later joined by blogger, Linda Ikeji.
On Sunday evening, Nigerians were paying tribute on social media, with #RIPMayowa trending at number one on Nigerian Twitter.
“All the pains, physical and emotional, are gone. Mayowa’s face will be smoother now, free from the tortures of cancer,” said a post by @NeduNaija.
Another social media enthusiast, Dupe Kila, said “She has gone to rest. Strong, beautiful woman. God be with your family. #RIPMayowa.”
Radio personality, Tolu Oniru, said the news was “so heartbreaking. #RIPMayowa.”
Ms. Ahmed’s passing was also widely mourned on Facebook, where close to 70,000 people were discussing it as at 7:26 p.m. Sunday.
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