BY RITA OYIBOKA
PARENTS of triplet daughters, Mr. and Mrs. Kelvin Ozoemena, have appealed to the government and well-meaning individuals for financial assistance to ease the burden of raising their three infants.
The couple made the appeal during a visit to The Pointer Newspapers Corporate Headquarters, Asaba, Delta State, highlighting the overwhelming expenses that are increasing making it difficult to provide for their seven-week-old triplets’ basic needs.
Ozoemena, a machine operator at General Steel Mill, Asaba, revealed that he has borrowed ₦1.4 million to cover medical bills and daily necessities. “My salary is ₦70,000, but ₦20,000 is deducted monthly to repay the loans, leaving me with barely enough to support my family,” he said.
The couple detailed the rising cost of caring for the triplets, explaining that they spend approximately ₦23,000 on baby formula every three days and purchase about 20 diapers daily. “At the moment, we do not have food for them,” Mr. Ozoemena added.
Mrs. Ozoemena recounted unsuccessful attempts to seek government support. “I approached a government agency, but instead of help, I was scolded and told to never return,” she said.
She noted that she submitted a formal request for assistance at a welfare office three weeks ago but yet to receive a response.
The family’s financial strain is further worsened by Mr. Ozoemena’s work policy, which operates on a ‘no work, no pay’ basis. “We have to immediately family to count on for child care so I have to help my wife take care of the children, but each day I miss work means no income,” he explained. “I just need temporary support, especially for their feeding and diapers, so I can get back to work.”
Mrs. Ozoemena, currently a full-time homemaker, expressed her desire for a source of income to reduce the financial pressure on her husband. “If I have a small business, I can contribute to the family,” she said.
The couple remains hopeful that individuals, organizations, or government agencies will step in to assist. “I am a hardworking man. I just need a little help to take care of my children so I can get back on my feet,” Mr. Ozoemena said.
Those willing to assist the family can send donations to Kelvin John Chukwudoruo, Account Name: Kelvin Ozoemena, Account Number: 6161420441, Bank Name: Fidelity Bank.
