Sanwo-Olu’s Wife Welcomes Lagos First Babies Of 2026, Reaffirms Commitment To Maternal Health

In a New Year tradition blending celebration with public health advocacy, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday led a goodwill visit to public hospitals to welcome the First Babies of the Year 2026, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to maternal and child health from the very start of the year.

The visits took place at Ibeju-Lekki, Imota and Gbagada General Hospitals, where three newborns—Baby Oluwadare, Baby Adegeye-Abiodun and Baby Daramola—were celebrated. Baby Oluwadare and Baby Daramola were born at exactly 12:00 midnight, while Baby Adegeye-Abiodun was delivered at 2:45 a.m., with the First Lady and the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, presenting gifts and offering prayers.

Addressing health workers and families, Dr. Sanwo-Olu described the coincidence of a new year and new life as a symbol of renewed hope and shared responsibility. She stressed that healthy births depend on informed choices, skilled care and sustained investments in healthcare systems that protect mothers and children.

She highlighted ongoing state interventions, including the Lagos State University of Medicine and Health Sciences, tuberculosis advocacy driven by female champions, and initiatives such as Breastfeeding Week and Maternal and Child Health Week, aimed at improving outcomes across the state.

The First Lady commended frontline health workers under the Ministry of Health, Health Service Commission and Primary Health Care Board for their dedication, noting that their commitment continues to improve patient satisfaction. She also appreciated support from philanthropists and baby-friendly organisations, urging stronger partnerships.

Speaking earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, described the ceremony as symbolic of healthcare being the government’s first priority each year. She cited expanded access through the Lagos State Health Scheme, facility upgrades and increased post-natal capacity to reduce neonatal and infant mortality.

Officials provided facility data from the three hospitals, highlighting improvements in infrastructure, staffing and service delivery, as well as rising antenatal attendance and deliveries in 2025, which they said reflected growing public confidence in government health facilities.

As prayers were offered and gifts presented to the families, the 2026 First Baby of the Year celebration ended with renewed commitments by government officials and health workers to deepen partnerships, expand access to quality care and ensure every Lagos child gets a healthy start to life.