By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
Anon-governmental organisation, NGO, Cleft and Facial Deformity Foundation, CFDF, which operates in Nigeria in collaboration with the TY Danjuma Foundation, has raised concern over the absence of a dedicated craniofacial hospital in Nigeria.
The foundation called on the Federal Government and private donors to establish one reputable hospital that would focused on treating facial deformities and tumors.
Speaking at the 30th free craniofacial surgery programme at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital on Tuesday, CFDF Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Dr. Seidu Bello, said the appeal follows 15 years of outreach work in the field.
Bello said, “This milestone is a testament, not only to the tireless efforts of our medical and support teams, but also to the courage of the children and adults whose lives we touch through these surgeries.”
The CFDF boss explained that the foundation has filled a critical gap for patients who cannot access care due to poverty and weak health infrastructure.
He said that over the past 15 years, CFDF has provided specialized craniofacial treatment to thousands who would otherwise go without.
He added, “Our mission goes beyond surgery; it is about restoring dignity, hope and confidence.”
Stressing that the group has performed roughly 2,750 complex craniofacial surgeries and conducted awareness campaigns across multiple communities, Bello revealed that the foundation’s work has covered a wide range of conditions including congenital facial clefts, facial tumors, noma and TMJ ankylosis, also known as lockjaw.
Bello stated that CFDF has operated in five of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and about 15 states, emphasising that “facial deformities are real, they are significant and they demand special attention.”
Pointing out that maxillofacial units exist across the country, Bello lamented that “there is no dedicated craniofacial facility in Nigeria.”
He proposed the establishment of fully equipped centers of excellence in each of the six zones to carry out advanced procedures such as facial reconstruction and microvascular transfers.
CFDF is also pushing its “Abuja craniofacial hospital” project in Karshi, Nasarawa State, and is seeking public support to bring it to life.
Crediting the TY Danjuma Foundation for funding the work since 2016, Bello said that he was dedicating his Leadership Newspaper ‘Primary Health Care Model of the Year 2025’ award to patients needing urgent craniofacial care.
TY Danjuma Foundation Health Programme Officer Dr. Mrs. Eucheria Abua, praised the surgeon for stepping in “to assist patients who had been in dire need of help.”
In her remarks, Dr. Mrs. Abua, lauded the team of surgeons for coming together “to assist patients who had been in dire need of help.”
The Chief Medical Director, CMD, of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, UCTH, Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme, who declared the ceremony opened, thanked the foundation for the good work it has been doing.
In his remarks, the governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, represented by the state Health Commissioner, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, also commended the initiative, noting that health challenges “have become an increasing and complex matter that requires serious attention,” stressing that “it’s no longer possible for one person to say he can do it alone.”
He suggested collaboration between the TY Danjuma Foundation, CFDF, and the wife of the governor of Cross River State’s foundation for sustainability of the programme.
