Pioneer Kanu Heart Foundation beneficiary Enitan passes away from malaria aged just 21

ONE of the first beneficiaries of the Kanu Heart Foundation's coronary operations simply known as Enitan has died of malaria at just 21 in Nigeria where she was working with the charity to assist other affected children.

Enitan was one of the first beneficiaries of the Kanu Heart foundation initiatives, having an open heart surgery when she was just 21-years old in London. Kanu, who referred to her as his daughter, expressed it sorrow at Enitan's  passing on Twitter.

Kanu said: “Why, why, why? One of Kanu Heart Foundation gone. My daughter gone, gone, gone I can’t believe this. RIP Enitan. God knows all. Sad, sad, sad. Don’t know what to do."

Amarachi, Kanu's, wife, revealed that Enitan died of complications from malaria. She also revealed that the 21-year old deceased moved back to Nigeria after she completed her university education to work with the foundation.

“Sad news today for me, I don’t know how to take this but God knows best. One of our first KHF beneficiaries passed away. Enitan was just two years old when she had her open surgery done in London courtesy of the Kanu Heart Foundation.

“She then became part of my family and 19 years later after completing her university studies, she came back to work with us in our Lagos office until she passed yesterday from some complications with malaria. She was kind, sweet and patient and she will be missed by many. Our condolences go out to her parents and family. A reminder to love while you can.”

After the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, it was discovered that Kanu had a serious heart defect and after having a successful operation, he proceeded to set up the KHF.  Launched in 2000, the KHF is an organisation that helps predominantly young African children who suffer from heart defects.