A 54-year-old woman, Mrs. Hussaina Salisu, who had 15 children from single births, has advised young mothers to carefully plan their families so as not to jeopardize the future of their children.
The woman, who reportedly had her first child at 14, gave birth to the 15 children over a period of 28 years, with no record of multiple births.
Hussaina, a native of Zaria in Kaduna State, told newsmen on Tuesday in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, where she currently resides, that her pregnancies and deliveries were never challenging.
She advised young married women, especially those from the northern part of the country, to go for child spacing and only have a sizeable number of children that they would be able to cater for, in case they found themselves in a situation like hers.
She said, “Things are hard for me and the kids, but I have no regrets bringing them to this world. I love them deeply and I am ready to do anything to make them happy. I cannot give them up for anything.
“They are here already and I believe in God’s divine plan. I have faith that God will send helpers to us just like He has been doing, because my children and I are living on the goodwill of neighbours and many kind individuals.”
“Mama 15”, as she is popularly known in the area, also disclosed that her mother had 17 children, though with three multiple births – two sets of twins and one set of triplets.
One of the children, Binta Salisu, who spoke with newsmen, said she was in school up to Junior Secondary School (JSS) 2, but had to drop out two years ago because she could not afford to go further.
She appealed to NGOs, philanthropists and other well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of the populous family.
She further advised young mothers to ensure they had something to do so as to survive.
Four of Hussaina’s children are late.