Buni orders immediate scientific research into kidney disease in Yobe
By Tada Juthan, Damaturu
Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has ordered immediate scientific research into the root causes of the kidney disease that has claimed many lives in the state.
According to him, the root causes of kidney disease in Bade Emirate Council (BEC) have long eluded the state government and its people.
Buni gave the order over the weekend (Saturday), when a team of health experts from the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Algeria, Senegal, and Ghana paid a courtesy visit to the governor at Government House, Damaturu.
He said the research is a bold move in addressing the persistent issue of kidney disease in the emirate council, particularly in communities along the Kumadugu/Yobe River Basin.
He lamented that disease has plagued Gashua township and communities living along the riverbanks for several decades.
The delegation led by the Commissioner of Health and Human Services, Dr. Mohammed Lawan Gana, disclosed that the experts comprise an international team of scientists from prestigious institutions across the globe.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Science, Research, and Innovation, Dr. Mahmoud Maina, who also doubles as the Director of Biomedical Research and Innovation, said: “The research initiative was announced on August 10, 2024, during a courtesy visit by a high-profile delegation to the Emir of Bade, Alhaji Umar Abubakar Suleiman, at his Gashua palace.”
Maina, who also serves as the Director of the Biomedical Research and Training Centre (BioRTC), said: “Our mission is to dig deeper into the causes of kidney disease in this region and to find lasting solutions.
“This research is a continuation of the groundwork laid last year when we collaborated with world-renowned research institutes in the UK.”
He, therefore, emphasised the importance of the research, stating, “The BioRTC was established with the support of Governor Buni to tackle such local health challenges through cutting-edge scientific research.
We are committed to ensuring that the people of Gashua and its environs receive the answers they deserve.”
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Gashua, Prof. Maimuna Waziri, expressed her institution’s commitment to the kidney research project.
“Our university stands ready to collaborate with this distinguished team of scientists,” she said.
The root causes of kidney disease in this area have long eluded us, but with this renewed effort, we are hopeful that we will finally uncover the truth,” she said.
Responding, Suleiman lamented that “the entire Gashua community has been battling with this affliction for years, and it’s heartening to see such dedicated efforts to find a solution.
“My doors are always open to support this noble cause.”
The research initiative has garnered widespread support from various stakeholders in the Northeast region of the country.
