Joan Orajiobi, who hails from Nnewi in Anambra State, on Monday, welcomed a special new year gift; a set of triplets.
Joan was delivered of two girls and a boy at Praise and Grace Hospital and Maternity, No 1, Mbanugo Street, Coal Camp, Enugu State.
An elated Joan, who lives at Ologo Quarters, Uwani Enugu, said she became pregnant in May 2023. According to her, labour started on Saturday but she visited the hospital on Sunday and Monday, following which she delivered the babies.
“I am a hairdresser. I had two girls before this pregnancy. I never knew I was pregnant with triplets until a scan said I was carrying twins,” she said.
Joan explained: “At about 7:00 a.m., on Monday, God gave me a January gift and a new year bonanza. Throughout the period of this pregnancy, the babies did not give me challenges.
“Even while I was pregnant, I attended to customers, although my legs were often swollen. People often told me to rest but I kept struggling because I needed to work and find what my family would eat.”
She called on Nigerians to come to her aid, saying it would be difficult for her husband and her to take care of the babies.
“I am pleading with Nigerians, especially the governors of Enugu and Anambra states, Peter Mbah and Chukwuma Soludo, to come to my aid.
“They should come and assist us with anything they wish to. The doctor said the fee would cost us N450,000 because I delivered through Caesarean Section,” she said.
Her husband, Cornelius, who is also a trader, said they both hail from Obiofia, in Nnewi North Local Council of Anambra State.
He said he felt excited when the scan showed his wife was expecting twins but never knew it would turn out as triplets.
“I have had two girls before now and I never planned to have triplets but God surprised us,” Cornelius said, pleading: “Nigerians should please assist us because this gift is bigger than what I can cater for alone.”
A nurse at the hospital, who pleaded anonymity, said the hospital provided the items used in delivering the babies because the family could not afford them.
