CBN International recorded another landmark when it sponsored a cleft lip pilot surgery, performed on Aliyu Mohammed in Jos, Plateau State, Northern Nigeria. Even though it was a pilot program, it was seen as historic because this is not only a first for the CBN office in Nigeria but also a first in view of the fact that no organization had before now sponsored surgeries for this kind of deformity in Nigeria.

His parents migrated from Kano State, a commercial city in Northern Nigeria, to settle in Plateau State. The father, Mallam Mohammed, is a petty trader, and the mother, a housewife.

Aliyu, a handsome and ebullient boy, is about 1-1/2 years old. He was born with a cleft lip deformity.

On noticing the cleft lip deformity, the parents were confused because they did not know what to do about it. They were bombarded with all kinds of advice from friends and relatives. Some told them to use native medicine. Others said that it was an evil that affected Aliyu and nothing could be done about it.

Someone who showed much concern for Aliyu encouraged his parents to take him to a teaching hospital. They heeded the advice after trying native medicine to no effect.

On getting to the hospital in Jos, and after going through all the hospital procedures of seeing the consultant surgeon on cleft lip, they were told that it was going to cost them about $300.00. This step was taken when Aliyu was about 4 months old -- an ideal time to do the surgery. As soon as they were told about the cost, they left the hospital in search of financial assistance from friends and relatives. They failed to raise the funds.

Aliyu was already growing up with a deformed lip and his parents were helpless. They even felt that God had destined Aliyu with that problem.

But as God would have it, someone we had informed about our plans to sponsor cleft lip surgeries in Nigeria informed Aliyu's parents about it. Aliyu's cleft lip case was then brought to our notice. We quickly met with Aliyu and his parents. They were assured that we were prepared to help them with the cost of the surgery and all the medical expenses required.

To Aliyu's parents it was a dream come true when they saw us paying for the surgery and all the drugs required for him to fully recover from the surgery. They exclaimed, "Is this really true?" They were amazed and dumbfounded by CBN's humanitarian effort towards their son. We could see soberness on their faces. The mother in her response, said:

"Thank you. We don't know what to say to you. May God grant you all your desires. And may God continue to increase His love between us. We are happy and thankful to you. May God reward you."

Aliyu's father, Mallam Mohammed in his appreciation said:

"When Aliyu grows up and sees the difference between how he was born and how he looks now, he will not forget God's love. Thank you very much for your help. We are happy and may God reward you. We struggled a lot about Aliyu's case, but failed because of lack of money. Our friends and relations could not help us until you people came to our rescue. Thank you! Thank you!! We are grateful."

The doctor who performed the surgery had this to say:

"The best time to do the surgery is between 3-6 months after the child's birth. But in the case of Aliyu, I can understand the dilemma of financial crises. But the child is lucky because, if the surgery had not been done, he was likely to face more danger of dental problems in the future, which would occur as a result of the cleft lip. It is possible to repair the cleft lip at an adult age, but it is not advisable. Aliyu is lucky. He is now going to grow as a normal human being."

Indeed, CBN International came to the aid of Aliyu and his parents in their desperation. We could see that in their reaction when interviewed. They were indeed overwhelmed with joy and wondered what type of people we are.

When we visited Aliyu and his parents in their home in Jos a few days after the surgery, we were happily received into their house despite the fact that men are usually not allowed to enter Muslim homes. Aliyu's mother's friends and co-tenants were overwhelmed, and they all came out with their own children to appreciate CBN International's goodness done to Aliyu and his parents. They expressed happiness as every one of them tried to have a glimpse of Aliyu's face, which is now in good shape unlike before when it was alarming to look at.

We thank God for the success of the pilot cleft lip surgery, facilitated by CBN International. We look forward to being a blessing to many more children with cleft lip deformity.