NGO Set to Offer Free Surgery for Cleft/Palate Patients in Kogi

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

A Non-governmental Organization(NGO), Good Smile Africa Advocacy Initiative is set to provide free surgery for Cleft/Palate Patients in Kogi state between 15th-19th December, 2026.

The free medical treatment which is in collaboration with the Kogi state government will take place at Confluence University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital, Okene within the stipulated period.

Dr. Timothy Osodin, a Fellow of West African College of Surgeons and Chief Executive Officer of Good Smile Africa Advocacy Initiative, announced this in a statement made available to journalists in Lokoja on Wednesday.

Dr. Osodin in the statement, called on victims of Cleft/Palate in Kogi state to avail themselves of the health intervention opportunity by turning out in their large numbers.

According to the statement “A Cleft/Palate is not a curse or evil spirit. Anybody with the challenge can be helped”

Dr. Osodin attributed causes associated with Cleft/Palate health challenge to poor nutrition of mother including prenatal vitamins, alcohol and drug during pregnancy, late maternal age(40 years and above), and family history of Cleft otherwise known as genetic.

“Cleft/Palate Patients are individuals born with an oro-facial deformities in form of a gap, opening or slit between the lip that could be extended to the roof of the mouth called Palate” the statement said