Port Harcourt, Rivers State July 1, 2026.
The Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) has commenced the pre-conference activities of the Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Association of Cleft Lip and Palate (NACLP) with free cleft lip and palate reconstructive surgeries at the hospital’s Modular Theatre.
This year’s conference, themed “Strengthening Networks to Improve Cleft Awareness, Promote Early Detection, and Streamline Referral Pathways,” marks the association’s first time hosting in the South-South region.
Welcoming delegates, the Chief Medical Director of RSUTH, Professor Chizindu A. Alikor, described the conference as a landmark event for both the hospital and Rivers State. He expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his support towards the conference.
Professor Alikor noted that the free reconstructive surgeries, made possible through the partnership between the Smile Train and RSUTH are being offered at no cost to patients, thereby relieving many families of the financial burden of treatment. He encouraged parents and guardians of children born with cleft lip and palate to take advantage of the hospital’s free treatment programme.
Speaking at the event, the President of the Nigerian Association of Cleft Lip and Palate, Prof. Ugochukwu Nnadozie emphasized that cleft lip and palate are congenital conditions and are neither caused by witchcraft nor curses. He reassured the public that treatment is safe, effective, and completely free.
Prof. Nnadozie urged families to seek early treatment, stressing that timely intervention restores both appearance and function, prevents stigma, and improves the quality of life of affected individuals. He further noted that the conference includes specialist training for healthcare professionals aimed at strengthening comprehensive cleft care across the South-South region.
Vice President and Regional Director for Africa at SmileTrain, Mrs. Nkeiruka Obi, reaffirms the organisation’s commitment to providing free, safe, and comprehensive cleft care across Nigeria.
“The outreach, which includes free surgeries, healthcare training, and nutrition education, is expected to improve awareness, promote early treatment, and expand access to comprehensive cleft care across Rivers State and the South-South region.”
The free surgical outreach is being conducted by a multidisciplinary team of specialists comprising Professor Akintubobo Olugbemi (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon), Professor Afieharo Michael (Plastic Surgeon), Professor I. I. Onah (Plastic Surgeon), Dr. Seido Bello (Plastic Surgeon), Dr. Aria Nimi Oti (Plastic Surgeon), and Dr. Kes Yarhere (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon). Anaesthetic services are being provided by Dr. Joy Dayi, Head of the Department of Anaesthesia, and Dr. Busola Alagbe-Briggs, ensuring safe and comprehensive perioperative care for all patients.
The free surgical outreach will continue throughout the four-day conference at the RSUTH Modular Theatre, providing life-changing care to children and adults living with cleft lip and palate.
