We will soon submit the report on the research into kidney disease prevalence in Borno state… Prof Umate

The Nigerian Association of Nephrologists (NAN) recently met in Maiduguri for their annual meeting. This exclusive interview with Professor Ibrahim Umate was conducted recently after the opening session where he was honored with a fellowship of the award. Below are extracts of the interview

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Q: Governor Babagana Zulum and his directive for the UMTH to embark on research on prevalence of kidney diseases in Borno

A: We have gone very far in the sense that we have been able to find out the real militating factors responsible for the prevalence of the disease. But there is something we are waiting for to be able to conclude. In all the research we have been doing so far, we have been searching for genetic components igniting the problem.
This genetics research involves taking samples to the molecular laboratory and assessing the genetic components within each sample. There are other genes that may also be responsible like NHY genes which we are looking into how it influences kidney diseases. So we have taken samples to the molecular lab and results will soon be ready. People that have this kinds of genes are more likely to have these kinds of diseases.

Q: Cuts in….So the results will be ready before the Governor leaves office next year?

A: It will be ready within a month or so. We will present the official details to the Governor as soon as we are done with the details.

Q: How about the Challenges you are faced within the realm of the nephrology practice at UMTH?

A: Challenges are always there especially when people come to the hospital with very late presentation of the disease. Its a major and worrying challenge. If only people will come early with their ailments, some of these challenges would become reversible but if they come late there is almost nothing for us to do. Some of them come so late that you have nothing left to do other than to start dialysis. Or even begin to bother about transplant of another kidney to keep them alive. This is all due to the Challenges of late reporting.

Another challenge is about the facilities. Its not as if we don’t have, but you know as the patients population is growing, the machines are over stretched. For now, we have about 20 functional machines and we have to do two to three sessions on some of the machines on a daily bases depending on the number of patients waiting in the queue. Sometimes we have 30, 40 or even more patients waiting in a day for the same service. So sometimes we finish the first session and embark on the second session and these kinds of daily routines affects the machines badly. So ideally, after using the machines that day we can’t use again till the next day. Another challenge is that many people can’t afford the funds for the dialysis.
Again our daily challenge is not only around dialysis alone. There are other aspects of treatment which are far more expensive than dialysis. Example if you are to maintain the red blood vessels of a patient to avoid anemia, electro-positive stimulating agents are very important but its quite expensive. And it is expected that the patients should take it daily while just a vile of it is about 18,000. So if a patient is taking it just twice a week, he must have about 36,000 naira to take it.

Q: The CMD once hinted in a news conference about a foundation to help kidney patients, is it functional now?

A: Yes we have the Kashim Shettima foundation that is helping out with anyone that has transplant issues. As it stands today, anyone that does a transplant will not buy drugs again as long as the operation was done in Maiduguri. And this is courtesy of the Kashim Shettima foundation which will enable them to access the drugs and consumables.

Q: You seem to be having a good time with consumables Prof. What is the reality in the kidney centre?

A: Indeed, government is trying its best on that. We are getting them at subsidized rates. Instead of patients paying over 50,000 naira, they pay just 12,000 for a session of dialysis. So it is about 80% subsidized. That is a good deal to me.

We will soon submit the report on the research into kidney disease prevalence in Borno state… Prof Umate

Nigerian Embassy in Kuwait Issues Safety Advisory to Citizens Amid Regional Tensions

By: Michael Mike

The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the State of Kuwait has urged Nigerian nationals in Kuwait and Bahrain to remain calm, vigilant, and compliant with host government ldirectives in light of prevailing regional developments.

In a circular dated March 1, 2026, and referenced NKT/GA/C/004/Vol. I, the Embassy — which holds concurrent accreditation to the Kingdom of Bahrain — advised citizens to strictly observe safety guidelines and official advisories issued by authorities in both countries.

The mission encouraged Nigerians to stay informed by monitoring credible local news outlets and official government announcements in Kuwait and Bahrain. It assured the community that it is closely tracking the situation and maintaining communication with leaders of Nigerian groups and associations in both countries.

To enhance real-time communication, the Embassy announced the creation of a dedicated mobile and WhatsApp line to ensure active engagement with nationals.

For further inquiries or assistance, Nigerians were advised to contact the Embassy via email at nigeriakuwait@yahoo.com or through the designated telephone and WhatsApp numbers provided by the mission.

The Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and welfare of all Nigerian citizens in its jurisdiction and pledged to continue providing timely updates as the situation evolves.

Nigerian Embassy in Kuwait Issues Safety Advisory to Citizens Amid Regional Tensions

Gov. Fintiri’s defection will boost APC’s chances of winning in 2027 – Dr Girei

Dr Salihu Bakari Girei, Gubernatorial aspirant under the platform All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 described the defection of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri to the ruling party as a welcome development for the APC in the state.

Girei said that his defection is coming at the right time to galvanise the party’s victory in 2027 General Elections at the national and sub national level.

Dr Girei who is one of the founding fathers of the APC in the state disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Yola.

He said, Fintiri joined APC at the right time considering his outstanding performance in the state which he said was in line with President Tinubu’s transformation agenda.

He added that the defection would add value to the APC family and also help deliver dividends of democracy to the ordinary people that are yearning for good governance as well as to fast-track development.

He said Fintiri has performed credibly well, in line with his 10-point agenda for the state to justify the people’s trust in his leadership and administration.

Dr Girei further lauded President Bola Tinubu for his effort and strategy in addressing Nigeria’s challenges for and ensuring rapid development.

He said, “President Tinubu is very strategic in addressing Nigeria’s challenges and many now understood that Mr President meant well for this country and has turned the fortune of the country around for good.”

According to him, records have shown that the dollar has crashed, the economy stabilized, security improved, food is affordable and issues of strikes are no more among others.

Bakari-Girei said, all these are factors that naturally attract people joining the APC across the country for more development in the country.

He queried those saying that President Tinubu is turning the country into a one-party system, recalling that the PDP once had 30 governors and no one complained.

“Today people have decided to join APC because of many factors initiated by the President Tinubu administration that naturally attracted people to join APC and support Mr President.”

He pointed to President Tinubu’s history as governor of Lagos, where opposition platforms continued to function, as evidence of his commitment to multi-party democracy.

He also appreciated the foresight of the President for appointing Malam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser who has invested much in APC in the state.

He further urged unity and understanding of all APC stakeholders in the state for the progress and success of the party at all levels.

Gov. Fintiri’s defection will boost APC’s chances of winning in 2027 – Dr Girei