The First Lady of Oyo state, Engineer Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, kicked off the new year by visiting hospitals in Ibadan to welcome the first babies of the year 2025.
The visit, which was a traditional annual event, aimed to celebrate the arrival of the new year and the new lives that came with it.
During her visit on Wednesday, Mrs. Makinde presented cash gifts and baby items to the first, second, and third babies of the year 2025, as well as their mothers.
The gifts were meant to support the new mothers and their families as they embark on the journey of parenthood.
The first baby, a female weighing 2.6kg, was born at 12:40 am at the Ojo Primary Health Care Center to Mrs. Olanimimo Kabirat. The second baby, a male weighing 3.1kg, was born at 1:45 am at the Ring Road Hospital. The third baby, a female weighing 3.5kg, was born at 6:35 am to Mrs. Safiyat Lawal at Oluyoro Catholic Hospital.
In addition to the gifts, Mrs. Makinde took the opportunity to urge the mothers to prioritize their babies’ health by vaccinating them and practicing exclusive breastfeeding.
She emphasized the importance of proper care and attention for the babies, stressing that these practices are crucial for their growth and development.
Mrs. Makinde also visited Oni and Sons Children Hospital where she donated gifts to the children.
In their separate remarks, the nursing mothers extended their appreciation to the wife of Oyo state governor, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde for her kind gesture towards them and their families.
They promised to make use of the advice and instructions given to them and to their children by the First Lady.
“I give glory to God. I want to urge all mothers that we should dedicate enough time for our babies as they grow up everyday. I pray God in his infinity mercy should bless Her Excellency for the gifts” a nursing mother said.
Her visit was a heartwarming gesture to celebrate the arrival of the new year and the new lives that came with it. Her advocacy for maternal and child health is a testament to her commitment to the well-being of the people of Oyo State.
Dignitaries present at the event were: lawmaker representing Ibadan North I State Constituency, Hon. Comforter; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaja Faosat Joke Sanni, Permanent Secretary Hospital Management Board, Dr. Anifat Ibrahim and others.
