‘It’s a miracle, as my wife never missed her period before now’

Father of the newest five babies at a go, Dr. Ekpo Edet, said the long wait of 10 years was not easy, but fruitful.

Ekpo, a medical doctor, and wife, Esther, both working at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) last weekend gave birth to quintuplets at the hospital.

He said they had waited patiently for 10 years, doing everything possible as a doctor, but God gave them these bundles of joy to wipe away all the tears and worries of the past.

He said: “It is a thing of joy for my wife and I. After a long wait for a baby, but God bless us with five. There was no time she had missed her period. We have done everything possible. We have prayed and I have done everything as a doctor, but God did it this time. It’s a miracle.

“Five babies at a go is a very uncommon form of multiple pregnancy, rare worldwide. Whether it is caused naturally or induce, the chances of a woman carrying it to the stage where the babies survive is rare.”

While calling for support from well-wishers, Ekpo said God who has given them the gift would surely provide for their (babies) upkeep.

He urged couples, who have been praying for such blessing, to have faith in God and sow seeds by helping couples with babies in difficult situations.

Ekpo said: “I know it is not going to be easy providing for the babies, but God who has given us the five children will definitely provide for them. He is not going to come in his spiritual self, but will pass through men to provide the needs of the children.

“People should see this as an avenue for seed sowing. There are so many infertile couples in this country, and I am saying this as a gynecologist. So many women are willing and crying.”

He, however, solicited support from the public, saying: “We will welcome support from individuals, government and well-wishers.”