Health
Tinubu welcomes first baby of 2026 in symbolic New Year visit
Written By: Chisom Onyibe
02 Jan 2026 09:04 AM
Abuja, FCT – Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria's First Lady, continued her annual tradition of celebrating the country's symbolic "First Baby of the Year" with a heartfelt visit to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Jabi, Abuja, on January 1.
The newborn, a baby girl named Zion Adakole, was delivered precisely at midnight on Thursday, January 1, 2026, marking the exact moment Nigeria entered the new year.
Born via caesarean section to 26-year-old first-time mother Mrs. Patience Adakole and her husband Mr. Celestine Adakole, baby Zion weighed in healthily and was declared the first delivery of 2026 at the facility.
During the emotional ceremony, Senator Tinubu personally presented the parents with a National Birth Certificate issued by the National Population Commission (NPC), along with gifts for the family.
She held the newborn close, offered prayers for the child and the nation, and described the birth as "symbolic of new beginnings and hope."
"This year will bring peace in abundance and prosperity in abundance," the First Lady declared, drawing on cultural beliefs that the arrival of a girl signifies ease and blessings.
"We thank God for allowing us to see 2026. Let us embrace generosity and compassion – sharing what we have is key to improving lives", Tinubu added
Accompanied by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima; Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; and Minister of State for the FCT, Hajiya Mariya Mahmoud, Tinubu also extended warmth to other newborns at the hospital.
This included a set of triplets (two boys and a girl) born to Mrs. Blessing Oragwu after 13 years of waiting, as well as additional babies delivered on New Year's Day.
The First Lady reiterated the Federal Government's commitment under President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda to maternal and child health, pledging an environment where every Nigerian child can thrive.
This annual initiative highlights the importance of birth registration and celebrates the promise of Nigeria's youngest citizens as future leaders.
The newborn, a baby girl named Zion Adakole, was delivered precisely at midnight on Thursday, January 1, 2026, marking the exact moment Nigeria entered the new year.
Born via caesarean section to 26-year-old first-time mother Mrs. Patience Adakole and her husband Mr. Celestine Adakole, baby Zion weighed in healthily and was declared the first delivery of 2026 at the facility.
During the emotional ceremony, Senator Tinubu personally presented the parents with a National Birth Certificate issued by the National Population Commission (NPC), along with gifts for the family.
She held the newborn close, offered prayers for the child and the nation, and described the birth as "symbolic of new beginnings and hope."
"This year will bring peace in abundance and prosperity in abundance," the First Lady declared, drawing on cultural beliefs that the arrival of a girl signifies ease and blessings.
"We thank God for allowing us to see 2026. Let us embrace generosity and compassion – sharing what we have is key to improving lives", Tinubu added
Accompanied by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima; Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; and Minister of State for the FCT, Hajiya Mariya Mahmoud, Tinubu also extended warmth to other newborns at the hospital.
This included a set of triplets (two boys and a girl) born to Mrs. Blessing Oragwu after 13 years of waiting, as well as additional babies delivered on New Year's Day.
The First Lady reiterated the Federal Government's commitment under President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda to maternal and child health, pledging an environment where every Nigerian child can thrive.
This annual initiative highlights the importance of birth registration and celebrates the promise of Nigeria's youngest citizens as future leaders.
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