Abandoned mother of triple twins gets help from Ambode, Lagos Speaker, others

IT was joy unlimited for Ruth Uche and her three pair of twins at the weekend as help came their way from least expected quarters and in quick succession too.

Shortly after her plight hit newspaper headlines on Friday, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode directed state officials to see to her needs.

A day after, it was the turn of Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, to visit the family with food items and cash donation.

Such high-level attention was least imagined by Ruth last Thursday, when she came near the Press Centre at Alausa Secretariat with her six children, seeking help from well-meaning Nigerians.

Amid tears, she had lamented how her husband, Emeka Benjamin Uche, 37, had in February 2015, absconded from their number 34 Awori Street residence in Agege on hearing that his wife was pregnant with another set of twins.

Earlier pregnancies of the six – year-old marriage had produced two sets of twins – Goodness and Godnews Uche (six years old), John and Joyce Uche (4 years old).

Since she had another birth of set of twins – Daniel and Daniella Uche – last month, Ruth has not been having it easy to cater for the six, as Emeka, her husband, is where to be found. And Ruth’s meagre earning from teaching at a private school has been grossly inadequate. So, she cried out for help.

Apparently moved by her story, it was gathered that Ambode directed his deputy, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, to effect the immediate rehabilitation and provision of welfare assistance to Ruth Uche from Abia State.

Chief Press Secretary to Ambode, Habib Aruna, confirmed that the governor was visibly touched after reading the plight of the woman and her children.

The governor had reiterated that, as a responsible government, the well-being of the people of the State irrespective of their ethnic, religious or political affiliation was paramount to his administration and gave assurance that his government would continue to provide good leadership that will guarantee adequate protection of lives and properties of all Lagosians.

Also, the Lagos Assembly Speaker, Obasa, during his visit to the 32, Awori Street, Agege, residence of the Uches, told Ruth to give thanks to God for the successful delivery of the babies.

Describing children as gifts from God, Obasa told Mrs. Uche, 34, to always give thanks to God in whatever situation.

He said: “We are here to congratulate you on the successful delivery of these beautiful gifts from God and to assure you that you will not suffer in bringing up these children. We must continue to thank God for everything. It was through the mercy of God that you delivered these twins through normal delivery after going through Caesarian routes in your previous deliveries. So you have every reason to thank God.

“Apart from being the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, I’m also your representative in the Assembly as this area falls within the jurisdiction of my constituency; so, this visit is part of my duty as your representative in the Assembly.”

The Speaker, while advising Ruth and Lagosians in general to always make use of the health facilities provided by the state as they were built for their use said:

“The state government spent huge sums of money to put in place these facilities and they are free. So, make use of them. For people like you (Mrs. Uche), there are enough experts and professionals to advise you on the family planning and other health issues.”

Ruth expressed appreciation to the Speaker, saying she was overwhelmed with joy at the visit.

“I’m overwhelmed with joy at this visit and I pray to God to always be with you and continue to bless you,” she said.

It, however, remains unknown where her husband (a factory worker in Xpression company, Iju road) is hiding in Ikorodu and when he will show up even now that there is a change in the family fortune.