By Egufe Yafugborhi

Akwa Ibom State first new year day baby was, yesterday, showered with cash, gifts and prayers to lead a successful life by First Lady-designate, Mrs. Helen Obareki.

Lady Obareki was among first callers at the General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene where the baby boy weighing 3.3kg was born to Mr. and Mrs. Nsikan Umoh of Ukana Ikot Ntuen, Essien Udim Local Government Area of the state in the crossover into 2025.

Coordinator of Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom extended the goodwill to other newborns at the maternity ward just as he 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 prioritise 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 symbolises fresh beginning while conveying the joy of the hospital staff at her presence.