By Chioma Obinna

Baby Oluwadare on Thursday emerged as the first baby of the year in Lagos State.

The male baby, weighing 2.9kg, arrived exactly at 12:00 midnight on January 1 to become Lagos State’s First Baby of 2026, setting a hopeful tone for the new year as the First Lady, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, led goodwill visits to three public hospitals across the state to celebrate newborns and frontline health workers.

The First Lady, accompanied by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, visited Ibeju-Lekki General Hospital, Imota General Hospital, and Gbagada General Hospital, where three babies born in the early hours of the new year were officially welcomed amid prayers, cheers, and the presentation of gifts.

At Ibeju-Lekki General Hospital, Baby Oluwadare was delivered at exactly 12:00 midnight, making him the state’s symbolic first birth of 2026. At Imota General Hospital, Baby Adegeye-Abiodun, a male weighing 3.45kg, was born at 2:45 a.m., while at Gbagada General Hospital, Baby Daramola, a female weighing 3.45kg, was also delivered at 12:00 midnight.

Addressing health workers, parents, and dignitaries, Sanwo-Olu described the birth of the First Baby of the Year as a powerful symbol of renewal and shared responsibility.

“The New Year is a season of renewed hope, and the birth of a child carries those same emotions,” she said.

“Healthy births reflect conscious choices, access to skilled care, and deliberate investments in healthcare systems that protect mothers and babies.”

She reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to maternal, newborn, and child health, highlighting sustained interventions such as the establishment of the Lagos State University of Medicine and Health Sciences, intensified tuberculosis advocacy through female champions, and statewide initiatives including Breastfeeding Week and Maternal and Child Health Week.

Commending health workers, the First Lady praised the Ministry of Health, the Health Service Commission, the Primary Health Care Board, and hospital management teams for their dedication.
“Your commitment to quality service delivery continues to translate into better outcomes for our mothers and children,” she said.

She also appreciated philanthropists and baby-friendly organisations partnering with the state and offered prayers for the newborns and their families, wishing the babies long life, good health, and a future of promise.

Earlier at Ibeju-Lekki General Hospital, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, said the First Baby of the Year ceremony symbolises healthcare as the government’s priority.

“The presence of Her Excellency here on the first day of the year underscores the importance Lagos places on healthcare,” she said.

Ogunyemi noted that the state has continued to expand access to quality and affordable care through the Lagos State Health Scheme, infrastructure upgrades, and expanded post-natal services aimed at reducing neonatal and infant mortality.

She disclosed that Ibeju-Lekki General Hospital recorded 5,650 antenatal care patients in 2025, with a staff strength of 277, adding that both mother and baby were in stable condition.

At Imota General Hospital, Ogunyemi highlighted recent improvements, including solar power installations and expanded clinical services. She said the hospital recorded 1,800 antenatal patients, 298 deliveries, and 181 caesarean sections in 2025, with a bed capacity of 80 and 220 staff.

“With the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos will continue to strengthen quality health service delivery that addresses emerging challenges,” she added, urging residents to seek skilled care.

At Gbagada General Hospital, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, said the First Baby of the Year event reinforces the government’s responsibility to prioritise the well-being of mothers and children.

She cited interventions at the facility, including the state’s first therapeutic playroom, the Free Eye Care Services Initiative, and Emergency Obstetric Care under the National Health Insurance Authority.

According to her, the hospital, with 196 bed spaces and 883 staff, recorded 12,177 antenatal patients and 2,963 deliveries in 2025, reflecting growing public confidence in public healthcare.

The Medical Directors of the hospitals, including Dr. Ime Okon of Ibeju-Lekki and Dr. Adenike Omosun of Imota, highlighted facility upgrades, service expansion, and improved patient outcomes, while reaffirming commitment to people-centred care.

The high point of the visits was when prayers were offered and gifts were presented to the families.
The Lagos State Government officials reassured Lagosians that every child born in the state will continue to receive a healthy start to life from the very first day of the year.