“Nearly every family here has twins or other multiple births”— Jimoh Titiloye
Nigeria’s annual Twins Festival was held on Monday, October 14, at Igbo-Ora, Oyo state, celebrating twins and multiple births. For the past 12 years, the proclaimed “twin capital of the world” has organised the annual festival in October to celebrate its unusually high rate of multiple births.
The global average birth rate for twins is around 12 in 1,000 births, but in Igbo-Ora it is reported to be about 50 in 1000 births, making Nigeria the country with the highest multiple births rate.
While there is no proven scientific explanation for the high rate of twins in Igbo-Ora, many in Igbo-Ora believe it can be traced to women’s diets. Alake Olawunmi, a mother of twins, attributes it to Nigeria’s local delicacy, “Amala” made from yam flour and “ilasa” soup.
Taiwo Ojeniyi, a Nigerian student, said he attended the festival with his twin brother “to celebrate the uniqueness” of multiple births. “It is a blessing from God,” he said.
This year’s festival featured a procession of twins of various ages parading in pairs, taking photos, dressing in matching clothes, accompanied
by drummers and dancers.
The contribution of Mary Slessor for twins
As we celebrate twins in Nigeria, it is essential to honour the contributions of Mary Slessor, a Scottish missionary who, at 28, stopped the killing of twins in Nigeria.
Before the abolishment in 1876, birthing twins was considered a bad omen that could bring devastation or calamity to societies. Hence, the killing of twins became a cultural practice among some ethnic groups in Nigeria, predominantly among the Efik people.
However, Slessor built a deep bond with the them by living amongst them and adopting abandoned children; then, through constant sensitisation, education and conversions to Christianity by those who practised this custom, the custom was abolished.
To further celebrate twins in Nigeria, here are five Nigerian celebrities with twins and doing fantastic in their respective fields.
Georgina and Kessiana Edewor
Born in London, England, to a British father and a Nigerian mother, Georgina (Eku) Edewor is an actor, producer and television personality known for her production of “Breath of Life” which was a box-office success, winning six out of ten awards at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards 2024. Her twin sister, Kessiana, is an interior décor expert and furniture designer.
Handi and Wanni
Wanni and Handi Danbaki, also known as WanniXHandi, are a dynamic DJ duo and reality TV stars from Kaduna, Nigeria. They recently competed in the Big Brother Naija, Dynamicduo edition, with Wanni in second place. Before participating in BBN, they were known to leave a lasting mark on stage with their electrifying performances and seamless transitions.
Kehinde and Taiwo Bankole
While not identical, sisters Taiwo and Kehinde Bankole are a force to be reckoned with in Nollywood. Kehinde, the younger twin, has become a household name with her captivating performances in movies like “Adire” and “Sista,” while Taiwo focuses on event planning, showcasing the twins’ diverse talents.
Eniola Taiwo and Kehinde Ajao
A prominent actress in the Yoruba film industry, Eniola Ajao, has a twin sister, Kehinde Ajao. While Eniola has graced our screens in numerous productions, Kehinde chose a different path, pursuing a successful career as an entrepreneur. Though they may not share the spotlight, their sisterly bond remains strong.
Mary and Joseph Lazarus
One of the most famous names in Nollywood, Mary Lazarus, is known for her role in “Waiting Years” and “Okafor’s Law”, while her brother leads a quiet life away from the media.
As “Twin Town” celebrates the gift of multiple births, a wider recognition of the festival is important to foster tourism and appreciate the uniqness of being the town with the highest multiple birth rate in the world.
