Early Life and Education:
Dr. Stella Ameyo Adadevoh was born on October 27, 1956, into a distinguished Nigerian family with a legacy in medicine and public service. She was the grand-niece of Herbert Macaulay, one of Nigeria’s founding fathers, and a great-granddaughter of Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther, the first African Anglican bishop.
She studied medicine at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and later trained in endocrinology at Hammersmith Hospital, London, cementing her reputation as a brilliant and disciplined physician.
Career and Medical Service:
Dr. Adadevoh spent over two decades practicing medicine in Nigeria. She worked at the First Consultant Medical Centre in Lagos, where she was the Lead Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist. Colleagues described her as calm, meticulous, and deeply compassionate—traits that defined both her clinical work and leadership style.
She was particularly passionate about patient education, ethics, and evidence-based care. Throughout her career, she mentored younger doctors and consistently advocated for higher standards in Nigerian healthcare.
The Ebola Crisis of 2014:
In July 2014, Nigeria faced a deadly threat: Ebola, one of the world’s most contagious and fatal diseases, had entered the country. Patrick Sawyer, a Liberian-American diplomat infected with Ebola, collapsed upon arrival in Lagos and was brought to First Consultant.
Dr. Adadevoh recognized the symptoms immediately—even though Ebola had never been diagnosed in Nigeria before. Under intense pressure from diplomatic officials to release Sawyer, she stood her ground and insisted on isolating the patient. She alerted the Nigerian Ministry of Health, enforced strict protective protocols, and contained the infection within her facility.
Her decision—and the speed of her response—prevented a national outbreak in a city of over 20 million people.
Sacrifice and Legacy:
Tragically, Dr. Adadevoh was infected during her efforts to contain the virus. She died on August 19, 2014, just weeks after the initial exposure. Nigeria would later be declared Ebola-free in October 2014, thanks in large part to her swift action and ultimate sacrifice.
Her legacy lives on through the Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh (DRASA) Health Trust, a nonprofit founded in her honor to strengthen Nigeria’s health systems and prepare for future outbreaks. Her story is taught in public health classes and remains a model of ethical medical practice under pressure.
Honors and Recognition:
Dr. Adadevoh has been posthumously honored by:
TIME Magazine: Listed among the “100 Most Influential People” (2015) The World Health Organization (WHO) and various global health bodies National Honors from the Nigerian government Tributes in documentaries, books, and public health campaigns
She is remembered as a true Nigerian hero, a woman who gave her life to protect millions. Her name is now synonymous with courage, medical integrity, and national pride.
