Sanwo-Olu’s Wife Marks Arrival of Lagos’ First Babies of 2026

Sanwo-Olu’s Wife Marks Arrival of Lagos’ First Babies of 2026
Gifts were presented to the babies and their families amid prayers and goodwill messages
Ogunyemi revealed that the hospital recorded 1,800 antenatal patients, 298 deliveries and 181 caesarean sections in 2025

In line with a long-standing New Year tradition that combines celebration with advocacy for public health, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday led goodwill visits to selected public hospitals to welcome the First Babies of the Year 2026, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to maternal, newborn and child health.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the hospitals visited were Ibeju-Lekki General Hospital, Imota General Hospital and Gbagada General Hospital, where three newborns; Baby Oluwadare, Baby Adegeye-Abiodun and Baby Daramola were officially celebrated.

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The First Lady was accompanied by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, as gifts were presented to the babies and their families amid prayers and goodwill messages.

Sanwo-Olu’s Wife Marks Arrival of Lagos’ First Babies of 2026

At Ibeju-Lekki General Hospital, Baby Oluwadare, a male weighing 2.9kg, was delivered exactly at 12:00 midnight, emerging as Lagos State’s symbolic first baby of 2026. Baby Adegeye-Abiodun, a male weighing 3.45kg, was born at 2:45 a.m. at Imota General Hospital, while Baby Daramola, a female weighing 3.45kg, was also delivered at 12:00 midnight at Gbagada General Hospital.

Addressing health workers, parents and guests, Dr. Sanwo-Olu described the birth of a child at the start of a new year as a powerful symbol of hope, renewal and shared responsibility. She noted that healthy deliveries are a reflection of deliberate investments in healthcare systems, access to skilled medical care and informed choices by families.

She highlighted several ongoing interventions by the Lagos State Government, including the establishment of the Lagos State University of Medicine and Health Sciences, intensified tuberculosis advocacy led by female champions, and statewide initiatives such as Breastfeeding Week and Maternal and Child Health Week.

Commending healthcare workers across the state, the First Lady praised the Ministry of Health, Health Service Commission, Primary Health Care Board and management of public hospitals for their dedication to quality service delivery. She also appreciated the support of philanthropic organisations and partners, urging sustained collaboration to further strengthen maternal and child healthcare services.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, described the First Baby of the Year ceremony as a reminder that healthcare remains a core priority of the government. She disclosed that Ibeju-Lekki General Hospital has 48 bed spaces, a staff strength of 277 and recorded 5,650 antenatal care patients in 2025, adding that both mother and baby were in stable condition.

At Imota General Hospital, Ogunyemi noted improvements such as additional facilities, solar power installations and expanded services. She revealed that the hospital recorded 1,800 antenatal patients, 298 deliveries and 181 caesarean sections in 2025, with a bed capacity of 80 and staff strength of 220.

Speaking at Gbagada General Hospital, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, said the event underscored the government’s responsibility to prioritise the well-being of mothers and children. She highlighted key interventions at the hospital, including the state’s first therapeutic playroom, free eye care services and the inclusion of emergency obstetric care under the National Health Insurance Authority.

Lajide disclosed that Gbagada General Hospital, with 196 bed spaces and 883 staff, recorded 12,177 antenatal patients and 2,963 deliveries in 2025, attributing the figures to growing public confidence in government-owned health facilities.

The Medical Director of Ibeju-Lekki General Hospital, Dr. Ime Okon, said the hospital has witnessed significant transformation since July 2024, with expanded services, improved infrastructure and increased bed capacity from 36 to 148.

She acknowledged existing challenges but reaffirmed management’s commitment to delivering people-centred care.

Similarly, the Medical Director of Imota General Hospital, Dr. Adenike Omosun, thanked the First Lady for the visit, describing it as a morale booster. She disclosed that the hospital recorded over 300 deliveries and about 65,000 patient attendances in 2025, alongside a 100% surgical success rate, with plans underway to expand services and adopt electronic medical records.

Sanwo-Olu’s Wife Marks Arrival of Lagos’ First Babies of 2026

The 2026 First Baby of the Year celebration concluded with prayers for the newborns and renewed assurances from government officials and health professionals to deepen partnerships and ensure every Lagos child receives a healthy start to life from the first day of the year.