Rita Odafe
Alhaji Yahaya Imam Nafiu, an Islamic cleric, was taken aback when he discovered that his third wife had given birth to 11 babies. The overwhelming news stirred mixed emotions in him, contemplating the financial burden and responsibility that came with caring for eleven newborns.
In a conversation with Tunde Oyekola, he shares his initial concerns and how he grappled with the enormity of the situation.
Unfolding Events
Yahaya’s wife, Chognika Latoyossi Alake, from Benin Republic, welcomed 11 children in two separate births. The first set, comprising five boys and one girl, was born on July 6 and 7, 2024. The second set, five boys, arrived on August 14. Unfortunately, two babies did not survive, leaving nine healthy children who have all been named.
Prolonged Pregnancy
Unlike a typical nine-month gestation period, Latoyossi’s pregnancy lasted approximately three and a half years. Various medical interventions, including surgeries and consultations with doctors, failed to hasten the delivery. Speculations arose about spiritual interferences causing the unusual delay.
Challenges and Emotions
Yahaya initially struggled to digest the news of his wife delivering six babies at once. Overwhelmed by the prospect of caring for eleven children, he contemplated fleeing but eventually resolved to trust in divine provision. The subsequent birth of the remaining five babies added to the family’s astonishment.
Coping and Seeking Assistance
Despite financial constraints, Yahaya and his family rely on faith to navigate the challenges of raising eleven babies. They appeal for governmental and public support to ensure the well-being of the newborns, depicting the birth as a miraculous blessing beyond human comprehension.
Future Plans
Following tradition, Yahaya informed family elders and local authorities in Ilorin about the remarkable birth. Efforts are underway to bring the children and their mother to Ilorin for formal introductions and blessings. However, financial hurdles impede these plans, prompting calls for philanthropic assistance to facilitate the babies’ care and traditional ceremonies.
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Source: The PUNCH
