Sanwo-Olu’s wife welcomes Lagos’ first babies

…reaffirms maternal health drive

The Lagos State Government on Thursday marked the beginning of 2026 with a renewed emphasis on maternal, newborn and child health as the First Lady, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, led goodwill visits to public hospitals to welcome the state’s First Babies of the Year.

The visits covered Ibeju-Lekki General Hospital, Imota General Hospital and Gbagada General Hospital, where three newborns, Baby Oluwadare, Baby Adegeye-Abiodun and Baby Daramola—were celebrated as symbolic ambassadors of hope for the new year.

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

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Addressing health workers, parents and government officials, Dr. Sanwo-Olu described the coincidence of a new year and new life as a reminder of collective responsibility to safeguard the future.

“The New Year represents renewed hope, just as the birth of a child does. Healthy births are not accidental; they are the result of deliberate investments, skilled care and conscious decisions to prioritise the well-being of mothers and children,” she said.

She highlighted key health interventions by the Lagos State Government, including the establishment of the Lagos State University of Medicine and Health Sciences, intensified tuberculosis advocacy through female champions, and sustained observance of programmes such as Breastfeeding Week and Maternal and Child Health Week.

Commending frontline health workers, the First Lady praised the Ministry of Health, Health Service Commission, Primary Health Care Board and management of public hospitals for improving service delivery and patient outcomes.

She also acknowledged the support of philanthropic organisations and partners, calling for stronger collaborations to deepen healthcare access across the state.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, said the First Baby of the Year ceremony symbolises healthcare as the government’s first priority annually.

According to her, Lagos continues to expand access to affordable and quality care through the Lagos State Health Scheme, infrastructural upgrades and increased postnatal ward capacity aimed at reducing neonatal and infant mortality.

She disclosed that Ibeju-Lekki General Hospital, with 48 bed spaces and 277 staff, recorded 5,650 antenatal care patients in 2025, adding that both mother and baby were in stable condition.

At Imota General Hospital, Ogunyemi noted recent improvements, including additional facilities, solar power installations and expanded clinical services.

She said 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.

Also speaking at Gbagada General Hospital, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, said the ceremony reinforces government’s obligation to prioritise the wellbeing of mothers and children.

She listed interventions at Gbagada to include the state’s first therapeutic playroom, free eye care services and the onboarding of Emergency Obstetric Care under the National Health Insurance Authority.

The hospital, she said, recorded 12,177 antenatal patients and 2,963 deliveries in 2025, reflecting growing public confidence in government health facilities.

Medical directors of the hospitals, including Dr. Ime Okon of Ibeju-Lekki and Dr. Adenike Omosun of Imota, highlighted significant facility upgrades, service expansion and improved patient outcomes, while acknowledging ongoing challenges such as manpower and space constraints.