New Year baby at Eket hospital receives gifts from Akwa Ibom first lady

The Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State has commenced activities for the New Year with a goodwill visit to the first baby born in the state in 2026 at Immanuel General Hospital, Eket.

The visit, which took place in the early hours of New Year’s Day, was led by the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, accompanied by officials of the office, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Inibehe Silas Etukudo, and female stakeholders from Eket Local Government Area.

The baby girl, born a few minutes into the New Year, is the daughter of Mr Steven and Mrs Christiana David of Atabong village, Eket.

The newborn, weighing 3kg, is the family’s first daughter after a set of twin boys and was coincidentally delivered on her father’s birthday.

During the visit, Lady Obareki presented cash and gift items to the newborn and her parents, in line with the tradition of the Office of the First Lady to celebrate New Year babies across the state.

She congratulated the parents on the safe delivery and described the birth as a symbol of hope and new beginnings for the family and the state.

The Coordinator also extended goodwill to other mothers and newborns in the maternity ward, including a mother receiving medical care, commending the hospital staff for their dedication and compassion.

Speaking after the visit, Lady Obareki prayed for the well-being of the newborns and their families, expressing hope that the New Year would usher in peace, joy and prosperity for homes across Akwa Ibom State.

She, however, lauded the management of Immanuel General Hospital for maintaining a clean environment and providing quality care to patients.

In their remarks, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Idongesit Ndaeyo Itaketo, and the Head of Nursing Services, Mrs Victoria Okposin, thanked the Coordinator for the visit and for the continued support and encouragement extended to the facility by the Office of the First Lady.

Among those present during the visit were the wife of the Chairman of Eket Local Government Council, Mrs Maryanne Tommey, the wife of the Paramount Ruler of Eket, Her Royal Majesty Mandu Abia, and other female leaders from the area.