The wife of the Lagos State governor, 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 in Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, and Gbagada General Hospitals, where three newborns were celebrated as Lagos’ symbolic first babies of the year.

Babies Oluwadare, Adegeye-Abiodun, and Daramola were celebrated amid cheers, prayers, and gifts from Mrs Sanwo-Olu and the deputy governor’s wife, 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, and Baby Adegeye-Abiodun, a boy weighing 3.45kg, was delivered at 2:45 a.m. at Imota General Hospital.

Mrs 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.

She noted that healthy births result from conscious choices, access to skilled care, and deliberate investments in healthcare systems that protect mothers and babies.

Mrs Sanwo-Olu highlighted sustained health interventions, including the establishment of 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.

Mrs Sanwo-Olu commended health workers and  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, Kemi Ogunyemi, described the ceremony as symbolic, underscoring healthcare as the government’s first focus each year.

Ms Ogunyemi said Lagos has expanded access to affordable care through the Lagos State Health Scheme, infrastructural upgrades, and expanded postnatal wards to reduce mortality.

She disclosed that Ibeju-Lekki General Hospital has 48 beds, recorded 5,650 antenatal patients in 2025, and has a staff strength of 277.

Ms Ogunyemi said Imota General Hospital recently added 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.

She urged residents to seek skilled care and avoid unqualified service providers.

The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dayo 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, Ime Okon, acknowledged challenges, including space constraints and manpower gaps.

Mr Okon reaffirmed the hospital’s resolve to remain “a citadel of health,” delivering quality, people-centred care to Ibeju-Lekki and neighbouring communities.

(NAN)