BN Community Centre: Twin Girls Born 12 Weeks Premature

In March 2013, the BellaNaija team asked for your feedback on how to handle the issue of the emails we receive with regards soliciting for financial aid {Click here to read}. We were grateful for your feedback. Over the years, BellaNaija has published various feature stories on Nigerians in difficult situations and we are thankful that our BN Fam has supported in full force. From the man who was wrongly imprisoned for over a decade to  and the struggling father suddenly saddled with major financial obligations due to the birth of his triplets.

During this time, we worked to get as much information as we could about different situations that was sent to us. In many cases, the people sending the emails don’t come back to us when we ask for more information. Sometimes they do and we are sceptical about the information given to us and as such we are unable to publish these stories. We will continue to publish these stories, however, we realize this is not enough.

While we are very concerned about the integrity of our brand and are conscious of the fact that there are too many fraudsters out there, we are definitely aware of the major challenges people go through every day.

If you’ve ever had a health-related issue in Nigeria, then you will probably understand that it is extremely difficult to fund your treatment and navigate the healthcare system. Even at the government hospitals (where health care service supposedly subsidized) you find yourself having to pay N50,000 here for something, another N18,000 for something else. Before you know it, you’ve spent hundreds of thousands of Naira. We all know how difficult it is to raise money, even amongst the most ‘comfortable’ people. While many save for a rainy day or have health insurance, most cannot afford to set aside a contingency sum for sudden major illnesses.

In view of this, BellaNaija is launching the BN Community Centre. This online platform will feature “calls for help” as submitted to us. This includes information, photos and account numbers. We are, however, stating categorically that we are doing only basic fact checking, therefore, we will not be held liable in ANY circumstance. 

We encourage you to give if you can, however, please ensure you perform independent verification prior to donating any funds.

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Twins Zara&Iva <[email protected]> wrote:
It is said that a problem shared is one solved. We are compelled to share this with you and plead that you help us.

Dear Friend,

Our babies arrived quite early this January (they were not due till April). They are currently at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Lagoon Hospital, Apapa, as this is the only hospital in Lagos with a neonatal unit that can take preterm babies that young. We have been given an estimated bill of NGN 12mln (NGN 6mln per baby). So far, we have paid about NGN 3mln as a deposit to kick off treatment.

Please Ma/Sir, we need your help to raise funds to save our babies. We will appreciate any help you can render. We do not wish to create a hype by using social media to create a pity party as we believe this is a very delicate period.

We would like for all donations to be paid to the hospital.
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“The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

Hello Everyone,

Some good news – Our prayers are being answered. The babies are doing a lot better now and the doctors are very optimistic about their development.

As at 11:45a.m today, we’ve received a total of Two Million, Three Hundred and Sixty-One Thousand Naira (NGN 2,361,000.00). There’s still a lot to do… Please don’t relent in your support. We appeal to you to kindly donate and forward to all your contacts to donate as well.

Below are ways to donate to help save Zara & Iva:

1. Pay into the below account opened in the name of baby Iva
Account Name: Iva Oluchi I.
Account No.: 0142730118
Sort Code: 058152379
Bank: Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB).

2. Raise a cheque payable to Hygeia Nigeria Ltd with the comment, Miracle Twins Zara & Iva, written on the back of the cheque. All cheques should be dropped off at the Accounts Department of Lagoon Hospital Apapa.

No amount is too little or big to save our children. Do keep praying for Zara & Iva.

Thanks & God bless!

Cheers!

Photo Credit: orgsites.com