By Egufe Yafugborhi

UYO – A baby born early New Year Day to Mr and Mrs Nsikan Ekanem Umoh of Ukana Ikot Ntuen, Essien Udim Local Government Area, has gained the benevolence of First Lady Designate of Akwa Ibom State, Helen Eno Obareki who showered the new born with cash, gifts and prayers to lead a successful life.

Lady Obareki, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady was among first callers at the General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene where she presented cash and gift packs to the baby weighing 3.3kg who was the earliest delivered in the crossover into 2025.

Lady Obareki extended the goodwill to other newborns at the maternity ward just as he also made provisions for special care of patients in the hospital.

At the Pediatrics Ward in the hospital, Children on admission who sang a special song in honour of the visitor and her team also received the First Lady Designate’s package for their performance.

Reflecting on the visit, Lady Obareki said, “My prayers are that the (New Year) baby would bring joy, peace, blessings and prosperity to his family and every other baby I saw in the ward; that as their births have been received with joy, so will their lives bring joy to their families.

“I also pray for everyone seeking the fruit of the womb, that as this year has ushered in these new babies, God will also meet them at the point of their needs and bless them, so that in no distant future, we will also be celebrating them.”

Commending the administration of Governor Umo Eno for implementing citizens centered initiatives across various spheres of the people’s lives, she assured that the Golden Initiative for All, GIFA, Pet Project of the Governor’s Wife would continue to prioritize welfare of multiple birth children, the less privileged and the family as a whole.

Chief Medical Superintendent at the General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene, Dr. Nene Andem, thanked Lady Obareki, for the visit, stressing that the newborn symbolizes fresh beginning while conveying the joy of the hospital staff at her presence.

Proud father of the New Year baby, Mr Umoh expressed gratitude to God for the gift of a baby boy as first child, thanking the First Lady Designate for her generosity as he prayed Gods continued blessings on her.