BY: NEWS DESK, OCTOBER 01, 2026/ 11:18PM
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, says most cases of kidney failure in the state are linked to hypertension and diabetes.
He stated this on Thursday when he visited Umaru Shehu Hospital in Maiduguri as part of activities marking Nigeria's 66th Independence Day celebration.
The governor, who interacted with patients and health workers during the visit, said the rising burden of renal failure requires urgent preventive action, especially through early diagnosis and proper management of underlying conditions.
'Some of the outcomes of the research we conducted revealed that the major problem causing kidney diseases had to do with our attitudes and lifestyle,' he said.
He disclosed that a research conducted by a Yobe indigene based in the US revealed that over 90% of people living with high blood pressure and diabetes in the region do not know their status.
'I can recall that a researcher from the US who is an indigene of Yobe State conducted research, and the outcome revealed that over 90% of those having high blood pressure and diabetes don't even know they have it. The causes of kidney failure, according to her research, were linked to high blood pressure and diabetes,' he said.
Gov. Zulum said his administration has released funds for research and provided grants to support patients battling kidney diseases.
He announced that the state government will establish a strong institutional mechanism for advocacy to curb the rising cases of renal failure.
'The Government of Borno State will establish a strong institutional mechanism for advocacy. Most cases of renal failure are a result of high blood pressure and diabetes,' he said.
The governor urged residents to embrace routine medical checks, healthy diets, and avoid self-medication, stressing that preventing kidney failure is cheaper and safer than treating it.
He commended successive governors of Borno for their contributions to the state's development, saying his administration will build on their legacies.
'We thank Almighty Allah for sparing our lives to witness this historic day. I believe successive administrations have done a lot. I want to express my appreciation to all the previous Governors who ruled Borno for doing a great job.
'We are here to see what value we can add to what they have done. Our healthcare system has been strengthened; education was supported, but we shall double our efforts in providing affordable and quality healthcare delivery to the great people of Borno,' he explained.
The governor also gave cash support to patients admitted at the hospital as part of the Independence Day celebration.