An ex-teacher whose wife recently gave birth to triplets after 24 years of marriage has expressed concerns over the challenges of raising three children at once, particularly at an older age.
Gbenga Familusi, a 58-year-old retired teacher and pastor, has recounted the emotional journey he and his wife experienced during their 24-year wait to have children. This long-awaited dream finally came true with the birth of triplets.
In an interview, Familusi shared feelings of both happiness and worry, discussing the financial challenges they encounter while raising their three infants.
The Osun State native, who is affiliated with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), called the birth of the triplets a miraculous blessing but acknowledged that parenting has become overwhelming, particularly without any pension or government assistance.
“It’s been challenging,” Familusi shared. “Family and friends have offered support, but we’re still struggling to manage. The expenses for baby formula, diapers, and medical care are overwhelming. We’re limited to using just three diapers per child each day, which isn’t ideal.”
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His wife, who teaches at a private school, has also faced challenges as she juggled her job with the responsibilities of caring for their three-month-old twins. Familusi highlighted how crucial faith was during their path to becoming parents, expressing gratitude to God for their eventual success after enduring years of waiting, mockery, and emotional hardship.
He remembered, “People ridiculed us and called us names; some even suggested I marry someone else. But we remained together, trusting that God’s timing is perfect.”
Now affectionately known as “Baba Ibeeta” (Father of Triplets), Familusi remains optimistic about his children’s future, though he is concerned that they may face hardships because of the couple’s financial constraints. He has sought assistance to help with raising the triplets, sharing that a single tin of baby formula costs roughly N10,000, alongside other necessary expenses.
Despite the sleepless nights and challenges of raising three children simultaneously, Familusi remains grateful, seeing fatherhood as a gift he waited decades to experience.
He wrapped up by encouraging couples facing challenges with delayed conception to stay patient and maintain their optimism, saying, “Delay doesn’t mean denial.”
