Popular TV presenter battles kidney disease, needs N50m for transplant

Emmanuel Ugolee, a popular television personality, is currently battling kidney disease and is due for a transplant.

Several celebrities have shown a tremendous level of support to the broadcaster by using their social media pages to solicit for donations.

Ugoleee, who was diagnosed with stage 5 kidney disease in 2012, requires a total of $100,000 (N5 million) to undergo a transplant at the University of Maryland, U.S.

“He is currently dealing with stenosis of a major vein which is blotting his upper body even after a recent 8-hour surgery in the Kano state teaching hospital.”

“His physicians admit that his body is getting tired and would best need the transplant soon. He is looking increasing weak and sick and it is dangerous to let this go on,” said Linda Ikeji, his friend and popular blogger.

Jimmy Jatt, veteran disc jockey, also called for support, saying Ugolee has “quietly handled” his ailment for many years, but it has now gone beyond him.

He wrote: “This man right here is my friend turned brother. This man right here is a mentor, an inspiration, a motivator, an extremely brilliant person. This man right here is an asset to the world. He has quietly handled his situation alone for several years but it has now gone beyond him. He needs our support.”

DJinee, a music producer/singer, said Ugolee informed him that he could no longer undergo dialysis as his blood vessels have become extremely weak.

“Emma Ugolee called me yesterday and his words were ‘Bro, the doctors said they can’t continue to prick me anymore. My blood vessels are collapsing from 5 years of dialysis. They said I have to do the surgery now’.”

“I sunk. Because I’ve been with him for close to half the dialysis sessions and witnessed first hand the pain that comes with the many complications including one failed kidney transplant. How he remains so strong and optimistic beats me. My friend is not perfect but he is a good soul and deserves better from life.

“Always looking out for everyone even in his state. In fact I witnessed one of those sessions where he paid for another patient who was in the same ward, strapped to the dialyser as he was.

“And there were many of such bailouts from Emma. His refusal for 5 years to solicit for public help characterises Emma’s personality. Some might call it pride but I call it the refusal of a man to burden others with “his problem”.

“So when he called yesterday, it wasn’t that he had given up but our (his friends) collective cry for help.

Ace comedian, Ali Baba, painted an emotional picture of the condition of Ugolee.

“One of the most cerebral guy I know. Down to earth. He doesn’t ask. So this is really strange. He comes to you as the host of #TheGist on HipTv… but he is far gone. Many who knew him from his days at Globacom have asked what is he up to.

“The truth is, he has not been up to… he is down with kidney issues and he has been battling it. The part that has weakened him the most has been the reality of how many who go to Dialysis with him on Monday. Don’t make it on the next appointment. That can be heart wrenching and draining. So what can you do… do it,” Ali Baba wrote.

Outpouring of support

Some of the other celebrities who are championing his cause are Timaya, Bovi, Omawumi, Juliet Ibrahim, and Cobhams Asuquo.

“He’s been struggling with this for 5 years alone and He’s not the type that bothers people with problems. wonderful Guy. Pls Pls Pls let’s support him. Thank u and GOD Bless y’all,” Timaya wrote.

Bovi
“I WILL ALWAYS SMILE! After several attempts to go this mission on our own, we have finally realized that we need you guys after all. @emmaugolee has dedicated his time and heart to supporting other kidney patients since his own diagnosis several years ago. @emmaugolee has always smiled through his own pain!

“That’s why I smile at you today and plead for your support. I don’t smile because I’m happy. I smile because @emmaugolee is always smiling! Everything in life is a choice. We have chosen to smile through the pain! And I beg you to smile and support us no matter how little. Together we WILL beat this. God bless you! Even if you have nothing to give financially, your prayers will be more than enough. And while at it, remember to smile.”

Monalisa Chinda

“Yes… We need all the help we can get. Please come to our aid. We know things are pretty difficult now. Your little contribution would make a world of difference.”

Cobhams Asuquo

“I have known this man for a long time he’s been a big brother and a dear friend and I’m humbled by his spirit. This is the best xmas gift you could possibly give me. Nothing is too small. Please let’s do this for a friend and a brother. I pray God’s blessings for you as you help me with this. May you find help in your hour of need. Thank you.”

Juliet Ibrahim

“Please support in any way you can. God bless you all as we help our dear brother. Please repost if possible as well.”

Omawumi

“There are a lot of artistes that can attest to @emmaugolee strength of character, his sheer will to continue to fight this disease and his determination to look on the bright side of this bad situation.

“I will make my own donation but I want to ask my dear followers. Pls if you get, nothing is too small. ‘Half bread is better than full chinchin’. Let us help Emma fight this disease. The details to donate are on the picture posted.”

Ugolee got a kidney transplant in India on February 2012 but it failed just six months after the procedure.