From Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki
Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, AE-FUTHA, Ebonyi State has become the first tertiary health institution in the South East to successfully conduct In-Vitro Fertilization, IVF, and embryo transfer, resulting in the successful delivery of a set of triplet.
Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Professor Robinson Onoh, made this known during the unveiling of the triplets to journalists at the hospital premises on Wednesday.
The triplets, who are two boys and a girl, weighing 1.8kg, 2.2kg, and 1.7kg respectively, were delivered through caesarean section after their mother experienced conception difficulties.
According to Professor Onoh, this success followed the establishment of an IVF and embryo transfer centre equipped with advanced technology, including a specialised embryology machine and a multi-part incubator.
He said the hospital recorded a remarkable 70 percent success rate in its first batch of cases, which include the triplets, twin pregnancies and singleton births.
“We aim to achieve 100 percent success rate with the commencement of a new batch of cases this week,” the chief medical director stated.
Director of the IVF Centre at AEFUTHA, Professor Brown Ejikeme, assured that IVF has no known side effects, with cases already booked up to December this year.
Consultant Gynaecologist and IVF Coordinator, Dr Okechukwu Mbanefo, commended the hospital management for equipping the centre with cutting-edge technology for ovary manipulation. “This achievement is a testament to its commitment to provide world-class fertility service.
Addressing journalists, the father of the triplets, Mr Anderson Onuh, expressed joy at the birth of his children after years of struggling with his wife’s infertility.
According to him, “We are overjoyed and grateful to the hospital for giving us this opportunity to experience parenthood,” he said.
The feat attracted the hospital community who showered the family with prayers and praises, while social welfare workers showered assorted gifts to the newborns and mother.
Oyibode Assures Of Remedial Work On Otor-Udu Road, Appeals For Patience
By Owen Akenzua, Asaba
Chairman of Udu Local Government Council, OlorogunVincent Oyibode has appealed to the people of Udu, particularly those who ply the express road leading to Otor-Udu by Ovwian Secondary School, to remain patient as plans are underway to carry out remedial work on the deplorable road.
Speaking through his press unit yesterday, he acknowledged the sorry state of the road and the hardship being faced by commuters and residents, and assured that although the road falls under the jurisdiction of the state government, he is committed to carrying out urgent palliative work to ease the suffering of the people.
He noted that on assumption of office, his administration swiftly intervened in several critical areas, including the said road, Daddy Bakery Road, John Jeff Road and Cross and Stop Road, among others, by executing remedial repairs aimed at restoring motorability.
“I feel the pain and daily frustration experienced by our people using this road. I want to assure everyone that I am not only aware of the condition, we are taking steps to address it promptly,” Oyibode said.
He reiterated his dedication to the people of Udu, emphasizing that he holds his position in trust and is determined to justify the confidence reposed on him by delivering people-oriented projects, even in the face of jurisdictional limitations.
“Udu people are very dear to me. I hold this office in trust for them and I will continue to do my best to bring relief and development across the local government area,” he added.
The chairman stated that he will continue to appeal to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to come to the aid of Udu people and salvage the situation through a more permanent intervention.
He called on residents and road users to continue to support his administration and exercise patience, as the remedial work will commence soon.
