The wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has welcomed the First Babies of 2026 in public hospitals, reaffirming the state’s priority on maternal and child health.
The visits took place on Thursday at Ibeju-Lekki, Imota and Gbagada General Hospitals, where three newborns were celebrated as Lagos’ symbolic first babies of the year.
The babies, Baby Oluwadare, Baby Adegeye-Abiodun and Baby Daramola, were celebrated amid cheers, prayers and gifts from Sanwo-Olu and the Deputy Governor’s wife, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat.
At Ibeju-Lekki General Hospital, Baby Oluwadare, a male weighing 2.9kg, was born at 12.00 a.m., becoming the state’s symbolic first baby of 2026.
Baby Daramola, a girl weighing 3.45kg, was born at 12.00 a.m. at Gbagada General Hospital.
Baby Adegeye-Abiodun, a boy weighing 3.45kg, was delivered at 2.45 a.m. at Imota General Hospital.
Sanwo-Olu described a new year and new life as “a powerful reminder of renewed hope and shared responsibility,” reflecting society’s aspirations for progress and continuity.
“The New Year is always a season of renewed hope, and these same emotions surround the birth of a new child,” she said.
She noted that healthy births result from conscious choices, access to skilled care and deliberate investments in healthcare systems that protect mothers and babies.
Sanwo-Olu highlighted sustained health interventions, including establishing the Lagos State University of Medicine and Health Sciences and intensified tuberculosis advocacy through female champions.
She also cited statewide observance of initiatives such as Breastfeeding Week and Maternal and Child Health Week.
Commending health workers, she said their dedication to quality service delivery has improved patient satisfaction and outcomes for mothers and children.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, described the ceremony as symbolic, underscoring healthcare as government’s first focus each year.
Ogunyemi said Lagos has expanded access to affordable care through the Lagos State Health Scheme, infrastructural upgrades and expanded post-natal wards to reduce mortality.
She disclosed that Ibeju-Lekki General Hospital has 48 bed spaces, recorded 5,650 antenatal patients in 2025 and has a staff strength of 277.
Ogunyemi said Imota General Hospital recently gained additional facilities, solar power systems and expanded clinical services.
She added that in 2025, Imota recorded 1,800 ANC patients, 298 deliveries and 181 caesarean sections, with 80 bed spaces and 220 staff.
“With the exemplary leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos will continue to stimulate quality health service delivery,” Ogunyemi said.
She urged residents to seek skilled care and avoid unqualified service providers.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Dayo Lajide, said the event reaffirms government’s priority on mothers’ and children’s well-being.
Lajide disclosed that Gbagada General Hospital, with 196 bed spaces and 883 staff, recorded 12,177 ANC patients and 2,963 deliveries in 2025.
She described the figures as evidence of growing public trust and the impact of sustained investments in public healthcare.
The Medical Director of Ibeju-Lekki General Hospital, Dr Ime Okon, acknowledged challenges including space constraints and manpower gaps.
Okon reaffirmed the hospital’s resolve to remain “a citadel of health,” delivering quality, people-centred care to Ibeju-Lekki and neighbouring communities.
