Ibadan, Oyo State – The First Lady of Oyo State, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, has kicked off the new year by visiting the first babies born in Ibadan, the state capital, spreading joy and cheer to their families.
Represented by the Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, the first lady visited three state-owned hospitals in Ibadan, including Adeoyo Maternity Hospital, Adaramagbo Primary Health Care Centre, and General Hospital, Moniya, where she presented gifts and cash to the newborns and their mothers.
Describing childbirth as a “priceless and exceptional gift from God,” Mrs. Makinde expressed gratitude to God for the safe delivery of the babies.
She congratulated the new mothers and urged them to prioritize their children’s health, emphasizing the importance of complete immunization, exclusive breastfeeding, and regular postnatal check-ups.
The first baby, a boy, was born by Mrs. Bilikisu Lamidi at 12:01 a.m. at Adeoyo Maternity Hospital, weighing 3.6kg. The second baby, a girl, was born by Mrs. Olajire Rihanat delivered at 12:46 a.m. at Adaramagbo Primary Health Care Centre, weighing 3.1kg. The third baby, also a boy, was born by Mrs. Musa Ummukhairi at 4:50 a.m. at General Hospital, Moniya, weighing 3kg.
Mrs. Makinde praised the parents, families, and healthcare workers for their dedication to ensuring safe deliveries.
Her words: “The babies are a blessing to their families and the state at large. We pray that they will grow in good health, wisdom, and strength, and become responsible citizens who will contribute positively to society.”
She presented baby-care hampers and cash gifts to the nursing mothers, with the first mother receiving ₦300,000, the second ₦250,000, and the third ₦200,000.
She also visited Oni Memorial Children’s Hospital where she donated food items, snacks.
The First Lady’s visit highlighted the importance of postnatal care, providing opportunities for mothers to share experiences, receive support, and address challenges such as postnatal depression. Her message emphasized the value of cherishing every moment with their children and prioritizing their health and well-being.
The families of the newborns expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the visit and the show of care.
“We are overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. We thank the government for remembering us and for their kind words and prayers. We pray that the babies will grow up to be blessings to their families and the state.” said one of the parents.
