- A Nigerian couple recently experienced what many would call a miraculous event—the birth of quintuplets, a rare blessing that most families only dream of.
- Yet, for the father, this once-in-a-lifetime moment has become a crucible of fear and anguish, exposing the harsh realities of his world.
- Against the backdrop of Nigeria’s harsh economic realities, the father lamented the cultural and traditional expectations tied to such a unique birth.
Ogagbe, a Nigerian dock worker at the bustling Warri Port, found his life turned upside down when he and his wife, Patience, an Itsekiri woman, welcomed an unexpected blessing – quintuplets – just two days after Christmas, on December 27.
The moment, which should have been filled with joy, came with overwhelming financial pressure that saw Ogagbe, who was already struggling to make ends meet, in a state of utter despair.
In a candid interview with Vanguard, Ogagbe revealed the emotional rollercoaster he experienced at Shepherd Hospital in Edjeba, Uvwie local government area, where the five babies were delivered.
His initial reaction to the congratulatory remarks from nurses was a surge of panic and disbelief. In that moment, an overwhelming instinct kicked in – to flee, to run away from the enormous responsibility of raising five newborns at once, coupled with the mounting financial burden.
Ogagbe, already burdened by debt, said he had to borrow a significant sum of money to discharge his wife from the hospital.
Things took a culturally significant turn when Ogagbe realized that, according to the customs of Ekurede Itsekiri, he would not be allowed to bring his quintuplets back to his community for eight days following their birth.
This restriction, rooted in tradition, meant that the young father would face further isolation from his support network, which might have helped with the burdens of child-rearing in the early stages.
Faced with mounting debts, social restrictions, and the fear of being unable to provide for his growing family, Ogagbe turned to the public, making a heartfelt plea to Nigerians for help.
He called for any kind of assistance, particularly a stable job that would provide a consistent monthly income, as he desperately sought a way to take care of his new family.
His words;
“Initially I wanted to run away when they told me the number of children at the hospital, I wanted to abandon my family. I have not seen this kind of thing before, I only saw this in movies.
“It will not be easy for me and my wife. Three boys and two girls. I heard the governor’s wife is a very good woman, she should come to our aide.
“My wife sells recharge cards at Ekurede Itsekiri. For no,w we can’t go to Ekurede Itsekiri because we were told that it will take eight days before the children will be allowed into the community. We reside at Okurede Itsekiri.”