Abia Father Appeals To Otti, Tinubu for N23m Surgery For One-Year-Old Son With Four Heart Defects
A 46-year-old father of four from Nvosi in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State, Chibuzo Michael Iheanacho, has made an emotional appeal to Governor Alex Otti, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians of goodwill for financial assistance to save his one-year-old son, Kingsley Kosisochukwu Iheanacho, who has been diagnosed with four heart defects.
According to the family, about N23 million is required for the surgery recommended for the child.
Chibuzo, a civil engineer from the Iheanacho Onukaogu family of Umuekpo in Umuguru Village, Ehi-na-Uguru Autonomous Community, Nvosi, made the appeal on Saturday while recounting the family’s struggle since Kingsley was born on September 6, 2025.
Kingsley is the fourth child of Chibuzo and his wife, who is a civil servant.
Chibuzo said the family began noticing worrying signs shortly after their son’s birth. Although initial medical tests reportedly did not reveal a major problem, the child’s condition became increasingly concerning as he grew.
According to him, Kingsley experienced episodes of rapid heartbeat, visible chest movements and difficulty breathing, prompting doctors to recommend further examination of his heart.
The family subsequently took him to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), where further investigations were conducted.
Following an echocardiogram, electrocardiogram (ECG), X-ray and other examinations, Chibuzo said doctors confirmed that the child had multiple heart defects.
“The report came out and it was confirmed that he has four holes in the heart. Two at the upper part of the heart called ASD, one at the lower part called VSD, and another one outside the heart at the valve leading from the heart to the lungs,” he said.
The family was later referred to Regions Hospital in Mgbirichi, Ohaji Local Government Area of Imo State, where Kingsley underwent further evaluation.
According to Chibuzo, another round of tests, including an echocardiogram, ECG, X-ray, full blood count and assessments of major organs, confirmed the earlier diagnosis.
He said the family was subsequently informed that the required surgery would cost approximately N23 million.
Unable to raise the amount on their own, the parents returned home and have continued managing their son’s condition with prescribed medication while seeking financial assistance for the operation.
Chibuzo said arrangements are expected to be made for the surgery at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
Fighting back tears, the father appealed directly to Governor Otti to intervene and help give his son a chance at a healthy life.
“Please, Brother Alex Otti, please, my action and God-sent governor, come to the rescue of my son. I know God will give you the grace to help us,” he pleaded.
He also appealed to President Tinubu, organisations, philanthropists and other Nigerians willing to support the family, saying doctors had given them hope that successful treatment could significantly improve Kingsley’s condition.
Chibuzo said he has made his telephone and bank account details available to newsmen for anyone willing to support the child’s treatment.
“No amount is too small,” the distraught father pleaded as the family races to raise the funds needed for their son’s surgery.
