First Lady Ushers in 2026 with Visits to Newborns in Abuja Hospitals

In a heartwarming start to the new year, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, accompanied by Her Excellency Nana Shettima, Wife of the Vice President, visited two Abuja hospitals to celebrate the arrival of the country’s first newborns of 2026. The visits, shared via the First Lady’s official social media on January 1, underscored themes of hope, family, and national renewal amid festive New Year celebrations.

The duo first arrived at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jabi, where they met the official “Baby of the Year 2026.” This healthy baby girl, born to proud parents Mr. Celestine Adakole Acheme and his wife, weighed 3.42kg and made her debut precisely at midnight—12:00 AM—claiming the coveted title as Nigeria’s first child of the year. The newborn’s timely arrival symbolized a fresh beginning for the nation, drawing cheers from medical staff, family, and visitors. Photos from the event captured the First Lady cradling the infant, beaming with maternal warmth.

From FMC Jabi, the distinguished guests proceeded to Bwari General Hospital in the Bwari Area Council. There, they welcomed the second baby of 2026, born to the Titus Praise family. Details on this newborn’s weight and exact time remain forthcoming, but the visit highlighted the hospital’s role in maternal care within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Staff at both facilities praised the leaders’ presence, noting it boosts morale and emphasizes government commitment to healthcare.

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These annual “Baby of the Year” traditions, common across Nigerian hospitals, often feature gifts, cash prizes, and media fanfare for the earliest arrivals. At FMC Jabi—a tertiary institution under the Federal Ministry of Health specializing in obstetrics and gynecology—such events align with ongoing efforts to reduce maternal mortality, with the hospital reporting robust New Year’s deliveries. Bwari General Hospital, serving the expansive Bwari community, similarly plays a vital role in accessible primary healthcare.

Senator Tinubu, signing off as “SOT” in her post, reiterated her office’s focus on women, children, and family welfare through initiatives like the Renewed Hope Initiative. The visits come amid national optimism for 2026, following a year of economic reforms and security gains.