Three-month-old Adegbite Robiah is in urgent need of corrective heart surgery estimated to cost between N14m and N17m, as her family races against time to raise the funds before she turns six months old on November 9, 2026.
Robiah, who was born on May 9, 2026, was diagnosed with a complex congenital heart defect after she developed unusually fast breathing.
An echocardiography report issued by the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, on July 2, 2026, diagnosed her with a complete atrioventricular septal defect (balanced), Rastelli type A.
The report also identified 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.
It further showed a cleft of the left atrioventricular valve with mild regurgitation, mild right atrioventricular valve regurgitation, dilated pulmonary arteries and mild pericardial effusion.
Robiah was also diagnosed with Trisomy 21, according to the medical report.
Her family is currently considering two treatment options after the cardiologist attending to her at LASUTH recommended that the surgery be performed before she turns six months.
One option is treatment at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, with the estimated cost put at about N17m.
The second is a programme under the Kanu Heart Foundation through which independent funders can sponsor treatment in India.
Robiah’s father, Abass Ayoife Adegbite, said the family had been placed on a waiting list for one of the options, but the waiting period was considered too long.
“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,” Adegbite said, sharing copies of the fundraising breakdown.
After almost two months of fundraising, however, the family has raised only about N900,000, leaving a substantial funding gap.
Adegbite said the family was now appealing to Nigerians, organisations, philanthropists and corporate bodies to support Robiah’s treatment before the recommended deadline.
“All medical documents, including the echocardiography report, are available for verification by prospective donors,” he added.
Estimated fees breakdown from the Foundation for the corrective heart surgery – India treatment option
With September identified as the target for one of the India treatment options and November 9 marking Robiah’s sixth month, the family said it has limited time to secure the required funds.
The father said the situation had placed significant emotional and financial pressure on the family.
“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.
“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,” he said.
Robiah’s mother also appealed to Nigerians at home and abroad to support the family.
“We are pleading with anyone in Nigeria or abroad who can help us not to ignore our daughter’s situation. We will be grateful for any support, whether financial or through an organisation that can help Robiah get the surgery,” she said.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
