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We will soon submit the report on the research into kidney disease prevalence in Borno state… Prof Umate
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
News
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.

In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.
Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.

In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.
Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.

“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.
The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.
The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
News
Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs
Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, marked Democracy Day with the handover of two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and critical logistics to the Nigerian Army, after joining internally displaced persons (IDPs) for a symbolic celebration and distribution of food items to 2,500 beneficiaries.
The armoured MRAPs delivered to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai on Friday are intended to enhance troop protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes which remain a persistent threat in the fight against insurgents. Additional logistics include operational Hilux vehicles and motorcycles for frontline soldiers in difficult terrains.
Zulum also marked Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Madinatu camp where he distributed food supplies, non-food items, and cash gifts to thousands of beneficiaries.
The distribution, held at the Madinatu IDP camp, served to consolidate Zulum’s resettlement gains. Over the past seven years, Borno State Government has successfully resettled more than 2 million IDPs in their ancestral communities in a dignified and voluntary manner.
“It gladdens my heart today, the 12th of June, 2026, to celebrate June 12th, Democracy Day, here in Madinatu Camp, the only formal camp that is standing inside Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, today, to the glory of God and the benefit of mankind, for the distribution of food and non-food items. Inshallah, this camp will be closed this year. This will be our last distribution exercise in this camp, or the second to the last,” Zulum said.
However, Governor Zulum used the occasion to announce a timeline for the camp’s closure. The governor ordered that Madinatu camp be shut down within one month, vowing to similarly close most IDP camps across various Local Government Areas in the coming phase of his administration’s resettlement strategy.
“Democracy must translate into restoring the dignity of our people,” Zulum told the IDPs. “Living in camps is not a permanent solution. Our goal remains to return every displaced person to their ancestral homes with security and means of livelihood.”
In addition to the food items, Zulum approved N50,000 each for the 2,500 beneficiaries present at the event.
“Each of the 500 beneficiaries mentioned will receive a 25kg bag of rice and a 25kg bag of sorghum. Women will receive wrappers. I also promise to provide 50,000 naira to each beneficiary. This amount can be credited into their own individual accounts, inshallah,” Zulum said.
The exercise was attended by the APC’s State Deputy Chairman, Garba Mulima, APC State Vice Chairman (Central) Abdur Rahman Abdulkarim, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, Member representing Jere at the State Assembly, Abba Kyari Kolo, commissioners and commissioner designates and several other senior government officials.
Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs
News
Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano
Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano
By: Michael Mike
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the arrest of a suspected gun courier intercepted while allegedly transporting weapons believed to be destined for criminal elements in Katsina State.
The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday, June 12, 2026.

Governor Yusuf described the operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes threatening communities across Northern Nigeria.
According to information provided by the DSS, the suspect, identified as Muhammad Abubakar, 30, was apprehended in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State while allegedly transporting four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, three AK-47 rifles and two empty magazines to Funtua in Katsina State.
Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect collected the weapons from an individual identified as Bello in the Maigatari border area of Jigawa State and was expected to receive N450,000 upon successful delivery of the arms.
Governor Yusuf praised the professionalism, vigilance and intelligence-driven approach of DSS operatives, noting that the timely interception prevented the weapons from falling into the hands of bandits and other criminal groups.
He said the operation underscored the critical role of intelligence gathering and effective collaboration among security agencies in tackling emerging security threats across the country.
The governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government to supporting security agencies through sustained cooperation, logistics assistance and policies aimed at strengthening public safety throughout the state.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to aid efforts to combat crime and maintain peace.
Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that ongoing investigations would lead to the arrest and prosecution of all individuals connected to the alleged arms trafficking network.
The statement was signed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.
Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano
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