Olusola Olonade, a Nigerian woman from Lagos, has inspired people worldwide with her story of marrying at 48 and giving birth to quadruplets at 50. Her journey to motherhood was documented by BBC Africa and shared on social media on 27 October 2026. Olonade's story has sparked conversations about fertility, faith, and the different paths people take to become parents. Many women have connected with her message of faith, perseverance, and motherhood.
Olonade married on 12 December 2023 and subsequently pursued motherhood through in vitro fertilizations (IVF). She has openly discussed her journey, acknowledging the role of both her faith and modern medicine. Pregnancy scans revealed a series of surprises, progressing from twins to triplets before confirming she was carrying four babies. Her experience has become a source of encouragement for women who face challenges or uncertainty while pursuing motherhood later in life.
Olonade gave birth to four babies on 6 March 2026, just weeks before her 50th birthday. The children were named Elijah, Elion, Eliana, and Eliora. Her story has resonated with women worldwide, with many sharing their own experiences of becoming mothers later in life. Olonade's willingness to discuss IVF alongside her religious beliefs has been particularly notable, as fertility treatment is often not openly discussed.
Olonade, affectionately known as "Iya Iberin," shared her testimony at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Lagos. She spoke about the fears she faced during her journey, including knowing people who had undergone IVF multiple times without achieving a successful outcome. However, her family history gave her encouragement, with no known fertility problems among the women in her family.
The support of Olonade's husband has also been highlighted, as he emphasized the importance of peace of mind rather than focusing on her age. This, combined with Olonade's openness about her journey, has inspired many women. Following BBC Africa's post, women from different parts of the world shared their own experiences of motherhood later in life, celebrating Olonade's journey and expressing admiration for her honesty.
The reaction to Olonade's story has been overwhelming, with many women sharing their own experiences of becoming mothers later in life. Some have praised Olonade for being open about fertility treatment, saying it is encouraging for older women trying for babies. Others have shared messages of encouragement, expressing blessings and admiration for Olonade's journey.
Olonade's story has prompted conversations about fertility, faith, and the different paths people take to become parents. Her experience has offered encouragement to women whose journeys to motherhood do not follow conventional timelines. This story is not an isolated incident, as another 49-year-old Nigerian woman recently gave birth to quadruplets through IVF, highlighting the role fertility treatment can play in women's journeys to motherhood.
Key points
- Olusola Olonade's journey to motherhood has inspired women worldwide, sparking conversations about fertility, faith, and the different paths people take to become parents.
- Olonade's story has resonated with women who face challenges or uncertainty while pursuing motherhood later in life, offering encouragement and hope.
- The support of Olonade's husband and her openness about IVF have been notable, highlighting the importance of peace of mind and honest discussions about fertility treatment.
