There was a dramatic and emotional moment at the Federal University Teaching Hospital in Lokoja on Friday, as a man identified as Adamu Muhammed Tenimu reportedly collapsed upon learning that his wife had given birth to a set of triplets.
According to eyewitnesses, Tenimu fainted shortly after receiving the news, overwhelmed by a combination of shock, joy, and anxiety. The babies, all girls, arrived unexpectedly, as the couple had not anticipated multiple births due to limited access to prenatal care.
Hospital staff and concerned onlookers quickly intervened to revive the father, who later regained consciousness and spoke to journalists. Still visibly shaken, Tenimu, a job seeker, expressed both gratitude and deep concern about his family’s financial situation.
“I thank God for this miracle, but I am overwhelmed,” he said tearfully. “We barely prepared for one baby, and now we have three. We don’t even have money for hospital bills, let alone food and diapers.”
He revealed that the lack of financial means had prevented his wife from undergoing regular ultrasound scans, leaving them unaware of the multiple pregnancy.
“This is a blessing, but it’s also a heavy responsibility. I don’t know where to begin,” he added.
Hospital officials confirmed that both the mother and her three newborn daughters — weighing 1.8kg, 2.0kg, and 2.3kg respectively — are in stable condition and receiving appropriate care in the hospital’s neonatal unit.
Members of the public who witnessed the event quickly began mobilizing support. A relative of the family made a heartfelt plea:
“This family needs urgent help. We are appealing to the government, NGOs, religious organizations, and kind-hearted Nigerians to come to their aid.”
Mr. Nuhu Alhassan, a friend of the family, called on the Kogi State Government and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to provide immediate intervention, describing Tenimu as a hardworking and decent man in dire need of assistance.
“The joy of childbirth should not be marred by fear of survival,” added Sikiru Olamide, a concerned citizen. “We must rally around this family.”
Donations of baby essentials, food items, and financial aid are being solicited from the public to help the family through this critical period.
