It was a very joyful moment for the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital and the family of Mr. and Mrs. Buzugbe when their babies clocked one in June, 2019. Members of the Buzugbe’s family could not hide their joy as they brought their once conjoined babies to celebrate their first year of birth in the Special Care Baby Unit, the Hospital. It was a celebration marked with cake cutting by the celebrants, happy birthday songs, refreshment, back- slapping by staff and prayers for the children, family as well as the Management and staff of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital. Going memory lane, Mr. Ferdinand Buzugbe, father of the children, said he remained grateful to God, Board, Management and staff of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital for being there for him, his wife and children at the family’s most trying moment.
Commenting on the development, Consultant Paediatrician, Dr. Kudirat Olateju, encouraged the parents to open up the space for the children to mingle with others as it would add value to their growth and development.
The lead Consultant in the separation of the once conjoined babies, Dr. Samson Olori, said at the age of one year, the twins look good and there was high hope for the children and their parents.
The Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong who was also elated to receive the children and their parents expressed delight at the growth of the children. Dr. Baamlong charged the parents to ensure optimal care for the children. According to him, “it will not be out of place for either or both boys to take ill like other children of growing age, all you need is to seek medical care.”
The Buzugbe twins as they are fondly called were delivered as conjoined at a private hospital in Gwagwalada, Abuja and referred to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital for specialist care in June, 2018. They were successfully separated surgically on October 29, 2018 after a four-hour operation.