Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has celebrated the birth of the country’s first baby of 2026, continuing her long-standing tradition of welcoming New Year babies and promoting maternal and child healthcare across the nation.
Mrs. Tinubu paid a visit to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, on Thursday, where she met Baby Zion Adakole, who was born exactly at midnight on January 1, 2026. The visit marked the official recognition of the newborn as Nigeria’s first baby of the new year.
Baby Zion was delivered by his 26-year-old mother, Mrs. Patience Adakole, through a caesarean section. The birth was her first childbirth experience. Her husband, Mr. Celestine Adakole, was present and expressed gratitude for the support shown by the First Lady and hospital staff.
Doctors at the Federal Medical Centre said both mother and baby were in stable condition. Hospital officials described the delivery as successful and praised the medical team for their professionalism.
Mrs. Tinubu congratulated the parents and described the birth of Zion as a symbol of hope, fresh beginnings, and new opportunities for Nigeria in the year 2026.
During the visit, the First Lady presented Baby Zion with a National Birth Certificate issued by the National Population Commission (NPC). The presentation of the certificate at birth, officials said, highlights the importance of birth registration and proper documentation for all Nigerian children.
In addition to the birth certificate, Mrs. Tinubu also gave the family gifts and financial support to help them care for the newborn. She encouraged the parents to raise their child with love, discipline, and strong values.
The First Lady extended similar support to other families in the hospital. She visited three other babies born on New Year’s Day and shared gifts with their parents as well.
One of the most emotional moments of the visit was Mrs. Tinubu’s meeting with a couple who recently welcomed a set of quadruplets. Mr. and Mrs. Blessing Oragwu had waited 13 years to have children before being blessed with four babies at once.
The First Lady congratulated the couple and described their story as one of patience, faith, and perseverance. She offered prayers for the health and future of the babies and praised the parents for their strength.
She also provided gifts and support to help the family cope with the demands of raising four newborns.
Speaking during the visit, Mrs. Tinubu said the birth of Nigeria’s first baby of 2026 represents not just a new year, but also a reminder of the country’s responsibility to its children.
“This child represents a new beginning, new hope, and new possibilities for our nation,” she said. “Every Nigerian child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and succeed.”
She highlighted the commitment of the federal government to improving healthcare, especially for women and children. According to her, access to quality maternal care is key to reducing infant and maternal deaths in the country.
Mrs. Tinubu urged parents to see their children as future leaders who must be nurtured and protected. She encouraged families to prioritize education, health, and moral upbringing.
The First Lady also called on Nigerians to show kindness and compassion to one another, especially to the less privileged.
“We must look out for one another and support those in need,” she said. “Together, we can build a better country for our children.”
She prayed for the babies, their families, and the nation, asking for peace, progress, and unity in the new year.
The visit to FMC Abuja is part of an annual tradition by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who has consistently marked the New Year by visiting hospitals to celebrate babies born on January 1.
Over the years, the gesture has drawn attention to the importance of maternal health, early childcare, and birth registration. Health officials say such visits help raise awareness and encourage families to use healthcare facilities for delivery.
Mrs. Tinubu is expected to continue the hospital tour by visiting other medical facilities in the Federal Capital Territory, including the National Hospital, Abuja.
Several top government officials accompanied the First Lady on the visit. They included the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima; the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; and the Chairman of the National Population Commission, Mr. Aminu Yusuf.
Others present were senior government officials and hospital management staff, who welcomed the First Lady and thanked her for her continued support for healthcare and family welfare.