By Ayomide Otitoju
In a blend of celebration and public health advocacy, Lagos State First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday led visits to public hospitals across the state to welcome the first babies of 2026, reaffirming the government’s commitment to maternal and child health from the start of the year.
The goodwill tour included Ibeju-Lekki General Hospital, Imota General Hospital, and Gbagada General Hospital, where three newborns—Baby Oluwadare, Baby Adegeye-Abiodun, and Baby Daramola—were celebrated with prayers, gifts, and cheers. Baby Oluwadare, a 2.9kg male, was born at midnight at Ibeju-Lekki, while Baby Adegeye-Abiodun, a 3.45kg male, arrived at 2:45 a.m. at Imota, and Baby Daramola, a 3.45kg female, was born at Gbagada at midnight.
Addressing parents, health workers, and dignitaries, Dr. Sanwo-Olu described the birth of a child at the start of a new year as “a powerful reminder of renewed hope and shared responsibility,” highlighting that healthy births depend on skilled care and strategic investments in healthcare systems.
She highlighted Lagos State’s ongoing health initiatives, including the Lagos State University of Medicine and Health Sciences, tuberculosis advocacy through female champions, and observance of programs such as Breastfeeding Week and Maternal and Child Health Week. She also commended frontline workers for their dedication and urged more collaborations with philanthropists and baby-friendly organizations.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, emphasized that the First Baby of the Year ceremony symbolizes the government’s focus on healthcare as a priority. She noted improvements at Ibeju-Lekki and Imota hospitals, including increased bed capacity, upgraded infrastructure, solar power installations, expanded clinical services, and enhanced postnatal care.
At Gbagada General Hospital, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, highlighted government interventions such as the therapeutic playroom, free eye care services, and Emergency Obstetric Care under the National Health Insurance Authority, aimed at improving patient outcomes. The hospital recorded 2,963 deliveries and 12,177 antenatal care attendances in 2025, reflecting growing public trust in state healthcare facilities.
Medical Directors of the hospitals lauded the First Lady’s visit, describing it as a morale booster and validation of strategic healthcare transformations, including expanded maternal and outpatient services, laboratory improvements, and plans for electronic medical records, physiotherapy, and dental services.
The 2026 First Baby celebration concluded with prayers, gift presentations, and renewed commitments from government officials and health workers to expand access and ensure every Lagos child receives a healthy start in life.
