Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide, the whistleblower dismissed from the Ogun State College of Health Technology, has spoken publicly for the first time since her reinstatement by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria sitting in Lagos.
In a statement released on Friday, Olamide described the ruling as a significant step toward justice and fairness.
“I am extremely happy to share the news of my victory at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria,” Olamide said.
“The Court has rightfully ordered my reinstatement, the payment of all outstanding salaries and entitlements from the time of my unlawful termination to date, and awarded me N5 Million in damages. This judgment marks a significant step toward justice and fairness.”
It was earlier reported that the National Industrial Court ordered the immediate reinstatement of Olamide to the Ogun State College of Health Technology, Ilese-Ijebu.
Olamide was dismissed by the college management over suspicions that she authored a whistleblower petition exposing staff members who were allegedly hoarding and selling National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) drugs intended for students.
In August 2022, a whistleblower filed a petition with the Zone 2 Command of the Nigeria Police Force regarding the illicit sale of NHIS drugs by some staff of the college to local pharmacies.
During the investigation, police invited several employees, including Olamide, and showed them the petition. She was subsequently identified as the author, prompting the school to establish a panel that indicted her, resulting in her suspension and eventual termination.
Following her dismissal, Olamide, through her lawyer Timothy Adewale of Adewale & Adewale Legal Practitioners, approached the Lagos division of the National Industrial Court seeking redress.
On Wednesday, in Suit No NICN/LA/125/2023 between Thomas Olamide v. Ogun State College of Health Technology & Ors, the presiding judge, Hon. Justice S. A. Yelwa, ruled that Olamide’s termination was illegal, null, and void.
The court ordered the immediate reinstatement of her appointment, payment of all salaries and allowances from the date of her dismissal, and awarded her N5 million in damages.
In her statement on Friday, Olamide recounted the ordeal that followed her whistleblowing activities, including alleged poisoning and unjust termination of her appointment.
She credited her survival and perseverance to the support of her family and allies.
“I owe heartfelt thanks to my immediate family for their unwavering belief in me,” she said.
“Even during my most difficult moments, when I was battling health challenges from being poisoned for my whistleblowing efforts and my appointment was unjustly terminated, I never felt alone.
“Their hope and support gave me strength when those who wished me harm celebrated falsely. Yet, by the grace of God, I survived, and justice has prevailed.”
Olamide extended her appreciation to the African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL), which recognized her as a global whistleblowing ambassador, and to the Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR), which provided her with legal support.
She also commended her counsel, Barrister Adewale, for “bravely” defending her in court.
“I am also grateful to AFRICMIL for recognizing me as a global whistleblowing ambassador, a role I carry with pride and responsibility.
“My sincere thanks go to the Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) for providing legal support (lawyer) and to Barrister Adewale, who bravely took on my defense in court,” she stated.
She also acknowledged solidarity from the Socialist Workers League, the Take It Back (TIB) movement, and comrades who supported him psychologically and politically during the struggle.
Also appreciating the media, she said, “Though journalism faces many challenges, some dedicated souls continue to report fairly and courageously, even under pressure and humiliation.
“Their work helps shine a light on the truth in a nation currently facing many struggles.”
In her message to fellow Nigerians and whistleblowers, Olamide urged persistence in the fight for justice, transparency, and accountability, and advocated for individual and collective patriotism in the country.
“To citizens and fellow whistleblowers, my message is clear: Do not give up. Stay committed to patriotism and the fight to restore fairness and justice in our country. If each of us plays our roles as good citizens, our nation can become great,” she said.
“Though it may seem like hope is fading, we can revive it by standing firm on the right path.”
She further stressed that corruption, particularly within security agencies, remains a stumbling block to Nigeria’s progress, but insisted that together, Nigerians can make the country a proud nation again.
“We all know that corruption, especially among our security agencies, has held us back. But to build a better Nigeria, we must show ourselves to be good and honest citizens. Together, we can make this nation a proud one again,” Olamide said.
Olamide expressed gratitude to the judiciary and optimism for the future.
“The court’s decision to order my reinstatement, payment of outstanding salaries and entitlements, and damages of N5 million is a testament to the fact that justice can still be served in our land,” she said.
