Cleric Appeals for Support After Wife Gives Birth to 11 Babies, Mourns Loss of Two Newborns

In a rare and extraordinary event, 56-year-old Islamic cleric Alfa Yahya Nafiu, residing in Ajasse-Cotonou, Benin Republic, has shared the joyful yet bittersweet news of his wife delivering 11 babies between July and August 2024. The remarkable births occurred at a traditional birth attendant’s home in Porto Novo, leaving the family in both celebration and mourning as two of the newborns tragically did not survive.

A Mixed Blessing for the Family

Alfa Yahya Nafiu, originally from Onikeke compound in the Popo Giwa area of Ilorin, Kwara State, disclosed that his wife, Chognika Latoyossi Alake, gave birth to eight boys and three girls in two separate deliveries. The first six babies were born on July 7, while the remaining five arrived on August 14. Despite the overwhelming joy of welcoming 11 children, the loss of two newborns cast a shadow over the celebration.

In a heartfelt conversation with reporters, Nafiu expressed his gratitude to Allah for the nine surviving children and their mother. However, he lamented the financial strain that now weighs heavily on his family, as they face significant expenses in caring for the newborns and their mother, as well as the challenge of transporting them to Ilorin.

A Call for Assistance

The cleric appealed to both the Federal and Kwara State governments, as well as kind-hearted individuals, for financial assistance. He emphasized the pressing need for support to cover the medical bills, transportation costs, and other expenses associated with raising the babies. “The arrival of these children is a blessing from Allah, but the financial burden is immense,” Nafiu stated.

Nafiu’s elder brother, Alhaji Zakariyau Nafiu, who serves as the Chief Imam of Iponrin in Ilorin East Local Government Area, confirmed the remarkable births. He mentioned that the family had informed the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, about the birth of the decuplets, following the customary practices of their community.

Community Reacts to the Births

The news of the decuplets has sparked reactions within the Ilorin community, with Alhaji Abdulmumini Abdulmalik, National President of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union, expressing his joy over the historic event. He congratulated the parents on this rare blessing and urged philanthropists and government officials to come forward with support.

“We rejoice with the parents and the Emir of Ilorin during this extraordinary moment in our history. It is our collective responsibility to support the Nafiu family during this time,” Abdulmalik remarked.

The Nafiu family’s story has captivated the hearts of many, highlighting both the joys and challenges that come with such an extraordinary event. As the family navigates this new chapter, they remain hopeful for the support and assistance that will enable them to provide for their children and embrace this unique blessing.

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