Nigeria and Brazil Share Cultural Ties Nana Shettima Tells Brazilian Second Lady Maria Lucia Alckmin

By: Our Reporter

Wife of the Vice President of Nigeria, Nana Shettima, has described Nigeria and Brazil as culturally connected nations, united by shared values and traditions despite the distance between them.

She made the remark while receiving Maria Lucia Alckmin, the Second Lady of Brazil, who is in Nigeria on an official visit with her husband, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin. The Brazilian delegation is in Abuja for the Second Session of the Nigeria–Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM), aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between both countries.

Vice President Alckmin and his wife were welcomed at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport earlier today. During the visit, both nations are expected to sign more than 30 agreements covering key sectors such as defence, agriculture, energy, and cultural exchange.

During her courtesy call, Maria Lucia Alckmin shared the story of a women-focused social initiative she launched in 2001 while her husband served as Governor of São Paulo. The bread-making project has empowered over 100,000 underprivileged women across 17 Brazilian states, with plans to expand nationwide.

In her remarks, Nana Shettima praised the initiative and highlighted cultural similarities between the two nations. “Nigeria and Brazil are both known for their warmth, resilience, vibrant music—Afrobeats and Samba—love of football, and colourful festivals,” she said.

She wished Mrs. Alckmin a memorable stay in Nigeria and hoped the visit would leave her with lasting impressions of Nigerian hospitality.

Nigeria and Brazil Share Cultural Ties Nana Shettima Tells Brazilian Second Lady Maria Lucia Alckmin

UMTH conducts successful kidney transplant 15 years after

….CMD calls for philanthropic support to enable the hospital save more lives from CKD

By: Sam Kayode

Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) Professor Ahmed Ahidjo has called on well-meaning individuals to sponsor kidney transplant against chronic kidney diseases (CKD)in the institution.

Professor Ahidjo made the appeal recently in a news conference in Maiduguri while announcing the successful transplant of kidneys to two patients in the hospital.

Speaking during the occasion at the UMTH Conference Hall, CMD, Professor Ahidjo, described the procedure as a landmark success attributable to the hospital’s preparedness, the support of management and the goodwill of an anonymous philanthropist who paid for the consumables.

He said that since kidney failure has become a serious challenge in the north east of Nigeria especially Borno, it is high time well meaning individuals who share in our common humanity support more transplants by bringing in their resources to bear so that more victims of CKD can continue to enjoy prolonged life from available transplants.

Ahidjo hinted that five million naira was paid by an anonymous donor for each of the patients who got a new kidney in the recent operation and that to him is his expectations towards this challenge because a transplant ordinarily costs about N13.5m to execute successfully in contemporary Nigeria.

The CMD noted that kidney challenges will no longer be a death sentence if there is a pool of consumables to support each operation which would be done virtually free by the UMTH medical team as a way of lessening the prevalence burden in the state.

Responding to questions by reporters the CMD added that the hospital is ready to conduct free operations for the next 20 patients who desire new kidneys adding that the only challenge for such operations is ‘consumables” but once that is on ground the rest would be history.

” As an institution, we are ready for the next 20 patients because we are footing the bill of all the technical details but the consumables are quite expensive. This is why I am appealing for sponsorship of more patients at least to the level of being stabilized because the bulk of the charges we make are for the consumables and these are subject to a revolving fund to ensure that others on the waiting list get the same quality service.

” Donors should come out and support this cause as quickly as possible because so many patients have end stage kidney problems but they do not have the resources to get the care they need. And this is why we need the support of fellow Nigerians out there to keep them alive.” Said the CMD.

The UMTH he maintained has successfully reinforced its reputation by conducting the cheapest kidney transplants after 15 years indicative of the fact that it is now the leading renal treatment center in Nigeria today.

Roll call of successful transplant

Several specialists involved in the operation led by neurologist Dr. Hassan Gogo and the surgical team carried out the transplants and they include, Professors Umate, the lead Nephrologist, Sani Alhassan a Surgeon, lbrahim Gaidam, Fela Usman, and Dr Hassan Digo all of them Urologists.

Team of Anesthetics include: Ahmed Alhaji, Doctors’ kullma Zakana, Hadiza Bako, Bukar Ahmad, Aisami mustapha, Buhani Ghidie and Atiku.

Nephrology Nurses include, Yagana kingi, Maryam Alhassan, Babagana Gubio, Yagana Mohammed and Abubakar.

Perioperative nurses present in the operation were, Babagana Korede, Kamsulum Umate, Christiana Michael, Kolo Bulama, Bola Ayeni, Amina Tamus and Zainab Mohammed.

Technicians include: Abubakar Umar, Shettima Maryam and Abdullahi lawan while two porters Aisha Idi and Fah ibrahiin were among the team that
conducted the Surgery

Professor Mohammed Gadam, Dr. Ahmed Head of the Anaesthesia Unit Dr. Zanna, and Professor Sani Alhaji Hassan. Prof Haruna Ngaddah Consultant Anatomic Pathology and Forensic Medicine was the Lab team lead.

“This is not the first time UMTH has performed a kidney transplant. Our first was in August 2010. So you can see that with improved capacity and technology, we’ve resumed the procedures in full and ready to do many more,” said Prof. Ahidjo.

UMTH kidney centre

Ahidjo an interventional radiologist hinted that the UMTH hosts the largest kidney centre in Nigeria, with an 85 bed capacity and four operating theatres equipped with advanced surgical equipment like endoscopic cameras, and modern lighting systems.

Narrating further the latest developments in the kidney centre, Prof Ahidjo, stated that the hospital now has over 20 functional dialysis machines and an “independent renal laboratory centre” making it easy for patients to have what they need as at when due and reducing the burden of red tape of the main hospital laboratory.

He commended the Federal Government for subsidizing kidney dialysis, adding that UMTH now offers dialysis for just twelve thousand Naira per session roughly eight United States dollars making it one of the cheapest rate in the country.

“In Nigeria and other parts of the world, dialysis cost as much as $1,000 per session but the support we receive makes this possible as we meet the needs of the people of the sub region.

“The cost of the service doesn’t even cover maintenance of the machines, but we are determined to keep our services accessible to the public,” he said.

The CMD commended Vice President Kashim Shettima for initiating the subsidized kidney dialysis program in Borno and reaffirmed that UMTH will continue to serve humanity in this manner.

Borno state sponsored Kidney research

The CMD lauded Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state for providing a special grant of ₦50 million to the hospital for onward investigation of causes of Kidney failures in Borno State.

The research has been going on simultaneously but even though the results have not been officially released, the research on kidney failure in Borno State indicates a significant burden of CKD with hypertension and glomerulonephritis being major contributing factors.

Checks on a source who commented about the ongoing study of the prevalence of CKD in Maiduguri hinted
that the researchers found out that a substantial percentage of patients on dialysis so far had CKD of unknown cause.

Prof. Ahidjo while responding to a question on CKD however hinted that diabetes and hypertension were equally major contributors to kidney malfunctions in the region.

He maintained that samples already taken are being analyzed to determine specific regional causes, while urging the public to adopt healthier lifestyles, stay hydrated, and engage in regular physical activity to reduce risks.

Prevalence of high CKD has been noticed specifically in central and southern Borno but the research is yet to establish if it has anything to do with the water consumed or the general lifestyle of the residents of this region of the state.

UMTH conducts successful kidney transplant 15 years after

VP Shettima’s influence transcends conventional political boundaries.—Hon. Yusuf Adamu

Hon. Yusuf Adamu, a prominent political associate of Vice President Kashim Shettima, in an interview with NEWSng revealed that VP Shettima’s influence transcends conventional political boundaries and extends deeply into the intricate network of relationships across Nigeria. This assertion highlights the multifaceted nature of Shettima’s power, which is not limited to his official capacities or electoral constituencies but is embedded within social and communal ties that span the nation. Such a network facilitates a broad base of support that enhances his political leverage and ability to mobilize resources effectively. Special Reporter Maina Maina writes.

Adamu’s perspective underscores the importance of personal connections and relational politics in understanding contemporary Nigerian political dynamics. Shettima’s influence is thus characterized by an ability to navigate complex social structures, fostering alliances that cut across ethnic, regional, and socio-economic divides. This relational approach positions him as a significant figure whose reach impacts policy-making and governance beyond formal institutional frameworks.

Hon. Yusuf Adami’s observation reveals that Kashim Shettima’s power lies not only in his official roles but also within an expansive network of interpersonal relationships. This dual dimension of influence exemplifies how modern Nigerian politicians consolidate authority through both formal mechanisms and informal social capital.

Speaking on the just concluded APC Zonal meeting in Gombe State, Northeast Nigeria, Adamu states this: “Let me also bring to your understanding that leadership is from God. We believe that it is God that gives leadership to whomever he wants to give it to. Everyone who followed the political campaign prior to the 2023 general elections knows the role played by Vice President Kashim Shettima to ensure the success of the elections and to bring this administration to power. I want you to know that all the rumors making the rounds about the President wanting to replace his Vice President are the usual political dreams pegged by so-called rumor peddlers and their paymasters. The president had never on any occasion said or shown any sign that he had issues with his vice president, not to mention reasons for his replacement.

“The Vice President has done very well even on the issues of bringing votes that help the president to lead in the elections. He has been going about his functions as assigned to him by his principal, and never had we heard of the president ever complaining of the vice president not carrying out duties assigned to him, either normal presidential duties or something that the president asked of him. Their relationship has been cordial, smooth, and respectful, contrary to what their enemies, whether within or outside the APC as a party, say. And we know all those that are pushing this idea.

“Another thing I want you to know, Malam Aminu, is that the people of Borno State are loyal and committed people. We are not only numbered within our state or the Northeast Region. We have traversed the northern states and even the neighboring countries. We are found within the North in places like Zazzau kingdom in Zaria, Katrina, and Gumel in Jigawa state. In fact, the emir of Gumel is ‘Barebari,’ meaning a “Kanuri person.” The late Alhaji Bashir Tofa of blessed memory is a “Kanuri” man from Borno. Names like Faruk Lawan and the late former speaker Ghali Na’abba, to mention a few, are all rooted in Borno State. Go to Gwarzo in Kano and down to Gombe State, and you will find “Barebari.” In fact, in Gombe State, former governor and senator Goje is a Kanuri man. Malam Sidi town, Fantami, and Alkaleri, all in Gombe and Bauchi states, are Kanuri areas.

“When you come to the North Central, the Kanuris are found everywhere, from Lafiyan Barebari in Nassarawa state to Doma and Gangare in Plateau state to Kayama in Kwara state. We are everywhere in Nigeria; let no one be deceived that we are only found in the Northeast Region. We have a sizable number within the Northwest and North Central. So the Northwest is not only for the Hausas or Fulani. We are also part of that region and play key leadership and political roles in those key places in northern Nigeria.

“The late Premier of Northern Nigeria told us that we are all one North and one people. We believed that statement and are living by it. So, if some people are thinking otherwise, that is their own assumption. We also believe in fairness, and we have seen and witnessed every political move being made. We believe for the best and fair leadership, the president will do justice if he goes with his winning team even if some individuals are fanning different concepts of politicking other than what is right, and that should be done. It will be a miscalculation and a greater risk for a good coach to replace a good player in the height of a game that needed such a player on the pitch. We know the president to be a calm person, and we believe he has no ears to listen to detractors.

“Indeed, what happened in Gombe state during the APC meeting? I was there and appreciated the courage of the Borno state governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, who stood to ensure that calmness is brought to the whole saga; otherwise, the occasion would have left regrets to trail. We would continue to commend the Borno state governor for ensuring a peaceful end to that meeting in Gombe. I can confidently tell you that only a few are making all the noise around. We believe that as northerners, we should have one voice and hope to build a stronger North. We are not thinking of who becomes what for now, as the time for politics will reveal those behind the masks. And for those who are chanting about the VP, who told them that they will see that day to be acting as if they are gods?”

VP Shettima’s influence transcends conventional political boundaries.—Hon. Yusuf Adamu