Let’s gist. You see this life ehn, sometimes we Nigerians carry stress like hand luggage. Small thing: “gimme one bottle.” Another thing: “add suya join.” Next thing: “chai, make I lick painkiller, body no dey gree me.” We think we’re just flexing. But behind the flex, one organ is quietly vexing — the kidney.
And guess what? Nigerian youths are showing up in hospitals with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) more than ever. Omo, the thing no be old man disease again o.
The Unsung Hero Called Kidney
Picture your kidney like that reliable friend who never complains. Always filtering your wahala (toxins), balancing your vibe (electrolytes), and making sure your blood pressure doesn’t turn you into generator set. You don’t check on them, you don’t say thank you — but they still dey grind.
Now imagine one day that friend just goes ghost. No reply. No energy. No detox. That’s CKD.
But Why Nigerian Youths?
You’d think it’s only uncles with potbellies that should worry. But the stats are telling us otherwise. Causes? Plenty:
Hypertension & diabetes — they’re no longer “old people’s” problem. Indomie + energy drinks + zero exercise lifestyle dey show. Unprescribed painkillers & herbal mixtures — all those “take this bitters, it will cure everything from malaria to heartbreak.” Your kidney is quietly crying. Untreated infections — even simple sore throat or UTI we ignore can harm kidneys long-term. Genetics — for some, it runs in the family like stubborn forehead.
How CKD Creeps In
CKD is like that bad friend that never announces himself. No loud entrance. Just silent moves until it’s stage 3, 4, or even 5 before you realize. Early symptoms are sneaky:
Swelling in feet and face (you think it’s “freshness”). Constant tiredness (you blame NEPA or Monday). Peeing too much or too little (but you think “na water I drink”).
By the time wahala is clear, dialysis or transplant may be the only option. And in Nigeria? One dialysis session costs ₦40,000–₦60,000 on average. That’s per session, 2–3 times a week. My guy, that’s not beans.
Prevention: How Not to Use Your Kidney for PlayStation
Let’s be real — Nigerian youth love vibes, but kidney no dey vibe with recklessness. Here’s how to guard your “life filter”:
Drink water like you mean it. Not Coke, not energy drink, WATER. Chill with painkillers. Stop swallowing pills like groundnuts without doctor’s say-so. Respect your BP and sugar levels. Get checked once in a while. Knowing your numbers is sexy. Drop herbal roulette. If the label no get NAFDAC number, abeg no use your kidney do experiment. Exercise. Even if na 20 minutes walk. Your kidney loves movement.
The Real Talk
CKD is not just “one uncle disease.” It’s creeping into our youth circle like bad network. And the scariest part? Many don’t even know until it’s almost too late. Imagine a generation cut short not by bullets, but by organs silently giving up because we didn’t respect them.
Our kidney is not designed for careless living. It’s designed for long journeys. Let’s stop using it like disposable cup.
Final Word (SNC Style)
When next you raise a glass of water, toast to your kidney. That loyal bouncer inside you deserves some respect. Because as funny as this gist may be, CKD is no joke. And if we don’t talk about it now, it may be the silent epidemic that shapes our future.
Na kidney we wan use do cruise? Abeg, no try am.
Make this story better clear well well oh!