Airline sponsors conjoined twins to New York for surgery

This is contained in a statement signed by Arik Air's Communications Manager, Mr Ola Adebanji, which was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos.

The statement said the airline was offering the support in partnership with Linking Hands Foundation, a non-governmental organisation.

According to the statement, the organisation has secured free medical treatment for the twins at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.

"Arik Air will be sponsoring the twins as the airline’s own little way of not only ensuring that the Ayeni twins get needed medical treatment speedily, but also to assist the family in reducing some of the financial burden associated with this trip," it said.

The statement said the Founder of Linking Hands Foundation, Mr Efe Farinre, thanked Arik Air for accepting to fly the twins and their family abroad.

It said Farinre disclosed that the babies were born on Nov.16, 2015 at St. Patrick Hospital Enugu, to Mr Samuel Olusegun Ayeni and Mrs Mary Abiodun Ayeni, both of Kogi State.

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"The twin girls, who are conjoined in the pelvic region, were taken to The University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, immediately after delivery.

"They were moved to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) on April 22 and have been under medical supervision.

"We are grateful to Arik Air for linking hands with us to give Miracle and Testimony the opportunity to have individual lives.

"Through this invaluable support, Arik Air has given the twins a chance to live and yet again demonstrated leadership in corporate social responsibility,” Farinre is quoted as saying.

The statement also quoted Arik Air’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mr Suraj Sundaram, as saying that the airline would continue to contribute to various charitable activities.

"In this instance, our support will enable these twins access to specialised medical care and give them an opportunity to build a healthy and productive future they deserve,” he is quoted as saying.