The twins were received at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport by Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and Saudi Arabia’s Consular-General in Kano, Mr. Khalil Al-Admawi, marking a triumphant homecoming after their remarkable medical journey.
Nigerian conjoined twins, Hassan and Husaina, who underwent a life-changing separation surgery in Saudi Arabia, returned to a heartfelt welcome on Fridays in Kano.
The twins were greeted at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport by Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and Saudi Arabia’s Consular-General in Kano, Mr. Khalil Al-Admawi, marking a triumphant homecoming after their remarkable medical journey.
The complex 14-hour operation took place at King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in Riyadh, led by a skilled 38-member medical team. Conducted in nine meticulous stages, the procedure involved experts in pediatric surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedics, urology, anesthesia, and plastic surgery.
The surgery, described as one of the most intricate under the Saudi Siamese Twins Separation Programme, successfully separated the twins, adding to the programme’s tally of 65 successful operations.
Mr. Khalil Al-Admawi, speaking at the airport, highlighted the surgery’s success as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s dedication to humanitarian efforts. “This successful operation reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to humanitarian services,” he said, emphasizing the Kingdom’s ongoing support through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre and the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria.
Governor Yusuf praised the Saudi government for fully sponsoring the twins’ surgery and care, calling it a profound act of humanity and a reflection of the deep bilateral relationship between the two nations. He pledged to cover the twins’ medical check-ups after one year and promised scholarships to support their education through university level.
A relative of the twins, speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), expressed gratitude for the support. “This is a big relief not only to the parents of the children but to Nigerians in general. We thank the Saudi authorities for the kindness,” they said. “We appreciate the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, and the medical team for their efforts. Nigerians will not forget this gesture.”
Conjoined twins, a rare medical phenomenon, occur when identical twins are born physically connected, often sharing organs or tissues. Hassana and Husaina’s case required advanced medical expertise due to the complexity of their connection, making their successful separation a significant achievement.
The Saudi Siamese Twins Separation Programme, now in its 35th year, has provided life-saving care to 150 sets of conjoined twins from 25 countries, cementing its reputation as a global leader in complex medical interventions. Hassana and Husaina’s successful separation marks another milestone in this humanitarian initiative, offering the twins a new chapter and inspiring hope for families worldwide. Nigeria and Saudi Arabia share a history of diplomatic and humanitarian collaboration, with the Kingdom supporting various medical and relief efforts in Nigeria.
With additional reports from NAN
