By Blessing Okola
The Federal Government on Thursday welcomed the First Baby of 2026 in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as Nigeria ushered in the new year with a renewed commitment to maternal, newborn, and child wellbeing.
The reception at the Federal medical centre jabi, on Thursday, led by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, highlighted the administration’s resolve to strengthen healthcare services for women and children while promoting safe delivery, child survival, and family wellbeing across the country.
The First Baby of the Year Reception is an annual initiative of the Office of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, organised in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and supported by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
Speaking during the reception, the First Lady expressed gratitude to God for the gift of life and for seeing Nigerians through to the new year despite challenges and losses recorded in the previous year.
She revealed that she welcomed a total of five babies during the exercise, the Baby of the Year, a baby girl; a set of triplets born to a mother who waited 13 years for conception; and another baby boy.
“We thank God for His mercy. Many things happened that we should not even think about, but we are grateful that we made it into this year. We pray that it will be a blessed year for all of us,” she said.
She added that the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, as well as the Minister of Women Affairs, were also visiting other hospitals across the FCT to welcome newborns, distribute gift boxes, and extend goodwill messages to mothers and health workers.
Addressing Nigerian women as the new year begins, Senator Tinubu declared 2026 a “year of generosity,” urging citizens to be intentional in giving, especially to the less privileged.
“Whatever you sow, you will receive. Be generous. This is a year of generosity, and we must give with purpose,” she advised.
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim while congratulating the mothers and babies, thanked the First Lady for her leadership and consistent advocacy for women, children, and vulnerable groups.
She also commended health workers, social workers, and medical practitioners for their dedication, noting that the hospital visited was clean and well-maintained, earning commendation from the First Lady.
She encouraged Nigerian women to embrace unity, courage, and shared purpose in the new year, adding that with collective effort and a common voice, national goals for women, children, and families can be achieved.
The father of the First Baby of the Year, Mr. Celestine Adakole Akeme, expressed joy and gratitude over the unexpected honour, describing the birth as a remarkable way to begin the new year.
“I didn’t expect this at all, but there is no better way to start a new year than welcoming my first child on the very first day of the year and as the First Baby of the Year. It feels fantastic. I’m excited and deeply honoured, especially to meet the First Lady,” he said.
Mr. Akeme disclosed that his wife delivered the baby girl exactly at 12:00 a.m. on January 1, 2026.
He praised the medical team for their professionalism, noting that the delivery was smooth and complication-free. “The hospital did extremely well. Everything went fine. In fact, I didn’t even realise when the baby was delivered until they informed me. She was strong, healthy, and fit,” he added.
Revealing the baby’s name, Mr. Akeme said she is called Zion Enekole Adakole. He explained that Zion is a biblical name, symbolising the daughter of Zion, while Enekole is an Idoma name from Benue State, meaning “mother of the house,” reflecting her position as the first child and a future pillar of the family.
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