Cleric Seeks Help After Wife Delivers 11 Babies

A 56-year-old Islamic cleric from Kwara State, Yahya Nafiu, has confirmed that his wife, Chognika Latoyossi Alake, gave birth to 11 babies in the Benin Republic between July and August 2024.

It was gathered that the babies, comprising eight boys and three girls, were delivered in two separate months at a traditional birth attendant’s home in Porto Novo.

Unfortunately, two of the babies died at birth, leaving nine surviving children.
Yahya, who hails from Onikeke compound, Popo Giwa area, Ilorin, Kwara State capital, expressed his gratitude to Allah for the blessing but lamented the financial challenges his family faces in caring for the babies and their mother.

He revealed that the family is struggling to raise money for the marriage rites, medical bills, and police reports, which are necessary for the babies’ documentation.

The cleric appealed to both the Federal and Kwara State governments, as well as well-to-do individuals in society, to come to his aid by providing financial assistance to support the babies and their mother.

He emphasized that the birth of the 11 babies is a favour from Allah, and he is grateful for the blessing.

The Chief Imam of Iponrin in Ilorin East Local Government Area, Alhaji Zakariyau Nafiu, who is Yahya’s elder brother, confirmed the birth of the babies.

He stated that the family has informed the Emir of Ilorin, Mai Maitaba Olola wa Alhaji Sulu-Gambari, of the birth of the children, as is customary in Ilorin culture.

The national president of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union, Alhaji Abdulmumini Abdulmalik, also expressed delight at the blessing and congratulated the parents on the rare occurrence.

He appealed to both government and public-spirited individuals, especially philanthropists in Ilorin Emirate, to support Nafiu financially and materially to enable him to fulfil his parental responsibility.

Abdulmalik noted that the birth of the decuplets is a glorious history for the Ilorin Emirate, and he rejoiced with the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, whose reign has witnessed this remarkable event.