A Nigerian family is appealing to members of the public for financial assistance to raise between N14 million and N17 million for an urgent heart surgery needed by their infant daughter, Robiah.
Robiah, who was born on May 9, 2026, was diagnosed with a complex congenital heart defect after her parents noticed that she was breathing unusually fast.
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According to a report published by PUNCH, an echocardiography examination conducted at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, on July 2, 2026, revealed that the baby has a complete atrioventricular septal defect (balanced), Rastelli type A.
The medical examination also identified several other heart abnormalities, including a large inlet ventricular septal defect, a large ostium primum atrial septal defect, an additional ostium secundum atrial septal defect and a patent ductus arteriosus.
The medical report further indicated that Robiah has Trisomy 21.
Doctors Advise Surgery Before She Turns Six Months
The family is now considering two possible treatment options as they race against time to secure the money required for the procedure.
The cardiologist attending to Robiah at LASUTH has advised that she undergo corrective surgery before she turns six months old on November 9, 2026.
One of the options recommended to the family is treatment at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, where the estimated cost of the surgery is about N17 million.
The family is also considering a programme associated with the Kanu Heart Foundation, which could provide an opportunity for independent funders to cover the cost of treatment in India.
Robiah’s father, Abass Ayoife Adegbite, explained that the family is struggling to raise the amount required for the surgery.
He told PUNCH:
“We are placed on a waiting list which is very far off. Alternatively, the family was given a consolidated estimate of about N14m, with a September target for the procedure”
“All medical documents, including the echocardiography report, are available for verification by prospective donors.
“We are appealing to Nigerians and kind-hearted people to come to our daughter’s aid. The doctors have told us that the surgery needs to be done before she turns six months. That means we do not have much time left. We are looking at September for one of the treatment options, but we have raised only about N900,000 so far.
“As a father, it is heartbreaking to watch your child go through this and know that what she needs is beyond what you can afford. We are not asking people for anything other than help to give our daughter a chance to live.
“The estimated cost is between N14m and N17m, depending on the treatment option. We are appealing to individuals, organisations, philanthropists and anyone who can help us raise the money. Every contribution, no matter how small, will bring us closer to saving her life.”
PLEASE SUPPORT ROBIAH HERE:
Account name: Adegbite Abass Ayoife (Father)
Bank: First Bank
Account number: 3065749835