Richard “Rick” Slayman, aged 62, battled end-stage kidney disease prior to undergoing surgery in March. He became the first individual to undergo a transplant involving a genetically modified pig kidney. However, the hospital where the procedure took place recently announced his passing, two months after the operation.

Mr. Slayman had been grappling with end-stage kidney disease before undergoing the groundbreaking surgery in March. Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), where the transplant was conducted, stated that there were no indications linking his demise to the transplant.

While previous attempts at transplanting organs from genetically modified pigs had failed, Mr. Slayman’s operation was regarded as a significant milestone. Apart from kidney disease, he also struggled with Type 2 diabetes and hypertension. In 2018, he underwent a human kidney transplant, but the organ began to fail after five years.

Following his pig kidney transplant on March 16, doctors confirmed that he no longer required dialysis, indicating that the new organ was functioning effectively. MGH expressed gratitude to Mr. Slayman for his willingness to advance the field of xenotransplantation, referring to the transfer of living cells, tissues, or organs from one species to another.

His sudden passing deeply saddened MGH, which extended condolences to his family. Mr. Slayman’s relatives described his story as an inspiration, emphasizing his hope to provide encouragement for the thousands in need of transplants.

Though Mr. Slayman received the first pig kidney transplant, it wasn’t the inaugural use of pig organs in transplant procedures. Two other patients had previously received pig heart transplants, but unfortunately, they passed away shortly afterward. In one instance, signs of organ rejection were observed, a common risk in transplants.

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has issued an order banning farming on idle plots within Màkurdi metropolis.

He directed that all those using empty plots of land and the frontage of their houses to cultivate crops within Makurdi metropolis, should stop immediately.

This was contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula on Saturday in Makurdi.

Kula said the directive became neccessary because such areas are used as hideouts by criminals, who prefer dark areas to perpetrate their evil acts.

“The Government of Benue State under the leadership of Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia is set to beautify the state capital.

“Therefore, those who are using any portion of Land within Makurdi town, including spaces within and around offices, road and street set-backs to farm are directed to stop immediately.

“Those who have properly fenced their plots may be excused to farm only within the fenced portion(s).

“The Governor warns that any person caught farming on any portion of land in the state capital, will be made to answer certain questions.”

CREDIT: DAILY POST

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has vowed that his administration will take concrete measures to punish those who promote conflict in the state.

The governor made the statement on Saturday in a meeting with the new executives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kaduna.

He urged religious leaders to actively advocate for peace and unity among their followers and appreciated the collaborative efforts of both the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and CAN towards the sustenance of peace and unity among themselves.

He assured his commitment to fulfilling the promises made during his election campaigns, stressing that Kaduna is important as a hub in northern Nigeria.

He said, “I am committed to supporting clerics by providing vehicles to reach all parts of the state effectively to spread messages of peace and unity.”

Rev Celeb Maaji, the new Kaduna CAN chairman, had earlier praised the governor for his achievements in less than one year, saying that the governor’s historic attendance at a Christmas carol event last year was the true example of a good leadership.

The CAN state chairman assured of the Christian community’s support for the governor’s administration and urged him to reintroduce Christian activities such as the pilgrims board and Bible quiz competition in the state.

CREDIT: DAILY POST