First Lady Welcomes First Baby of 2026

Nigeria’s First Lady Welcomes First Baby of 2026

On the dawn of January 1, 2026, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, marked the beginning of the new year with a symbolic and heartfelt gesture at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Abuja.

At exactly midnight, the nation’s first baby of 2026 was delivered, a girl named Enekole Zion Adakole, born to 26-year-old first-time mother Patience Omeyi Adakole and her husband, Celestine Adakole.

The birth was celebrated not only as a personal joy for the family but also as a national symbol of renewal, hope, and prosperity.

Senator Tinubu, continuing her annual tradition of welcoming New Year babies, personally presented Baby Enekole with a National Birth Certificate issued by the National Population Commission.

Alongside this, she offered gifts and financial support to the family, underscoring her commitment to maternal and child welfare. The First Lady emphasized that the arrival of the baby represented fresh opportunities for the nation, framing 2026 as a year of “peace in abundance” and “prosperity in abundance”.

Her visit was not limited to the Adakole family. She extended her goodwill to other newborns at the hospital, including three additional babies delivered on New Year’s Day. Particularly moving was her recognition of Mr. and Mrs. Blessing Oragwu, who after 13 years of waiting, welcomed triplets, two boys and a girl, just days before the new year. The First Lady described their story as a testament to perseverance and divine blessing, presenting them with gifts and support.

The event was attended by dignitaries including the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulieman-Ibrahim, and the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Hajia Mariya Mahmoud. Their presence reinforced the significance of the occasion, highlighting the government’s collective focus on maternal health and family welfare.

Beyond Abuja, similar celebrations unfolded across Nigeria. In Ogun State, First Lady Bamidele Abiodun welcomed the first baby of the year at Sagamu, while in Oyo State, Tamunominini Makinde visited the Adeoyo Maternity Hospital in Ibadan to celebrate their own New Year baby. These parallel events underscored a nationwide tradition of honoring new life as a symbol of continuity and hope.

The birth of Baby Enekole Zion Adakole thus stands as a beacon of optimism for Nigeria. Senator Tinubu’s words and actions framed the moment as more than a ceremonial gesture, it was a reaffirmation of her advocacy for maternal healthcare and her vision of a prosperous, peaceful Nigeria.

As the nation steps into 2026, the First Baby of the Year embodies the promise of renewal, resilience, and shared joy.