By Doris Obinna
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, yesterday celebrated the arrival of the first babies of 2025 across three general hospitals in the state. Amid smiles and applause, Baby Olaolu, Twins Osayomi, and Baby Lawal were warmly welcomed as symbols of a promising year ahead.
The celebrations took place at Ikorodu General Hospital, Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital, and Isolo General Hospital, where the First Lady joined by the Wife of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat presented gifts to the newborns and their families. Baby Olaolu, a girl weighing 2.75kg, was the first baby of the year at Ikorodu General Hospital, born at 12:34 a.m. Twins Osayomi, delivered at Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital, included a girl (2.5kg) born at 12:14 a.m. and a boy (2.049kg) at 12:15 a.m. At Isolo General Hospital, Baby Lawal, a boy weighing 2.7kg, was born at 1:32 a.m.
In her warm address at the events, Dr. Sanwo-Olu highlighted the importance of celebrating new life as a symbol of hope, continuity, and resilience. “The birth of a child signifies the assurance that our heritage is carried forward to the next generation. It is a moment of communal celebration that unites us in joy and gratitude,” she stated.
The First Lady also reiterated the Lagos State government’s commitment to advancing maternal and child healthcare. She commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration for its strides in health infrastructure, including the establishment of the Lagos State Medical University and grassroots health initiatives like the Tuberculosis Ambassadors program.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu used the occasion to appreciate healthcare professionals for their dedication. At Ikorodu General Hospital, she lauded the medical director and staff for their positive attitude and improved service delivery. Similar commendations were extended to the teams at Ifako-Ijaiye and Isolo General Hospitals for their outstanding contributions to patient care.
The First Lady also expressed gratitude to philanthropic organizations, NGOs, and corporate partners for their support. “Your contributions have significantly boosted our healthcare delivery. I encourage more partnerships to enhance services across the state,” she said.
To the proud parents of the first babies, the First Lady extended heartfelt congratulations. She assured them of Lagos State’s continued support and prayed for the children’s well-being and prosperity. “May these babies grow into responsible citizens and nation-builders,” she added.
Earlier, in her address at Ikorodu General Hospital, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi expressed her joy and gratitude for witnessing the occasion alongside Her Excellency, the First Lady and other dignitaries.
She congratulated the first baby of the year and emphasized the state’s commitment to reducing maternal, neonatal, and child morbidity and mortality through interventions such as the ILERA EKO health insurance scheme.
Speaking at the Ifako Ijaiye General Hospital, Secretary to the State Government, Barr. ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin expressed delight at the celebration of the First Baby of the Year 2025, which featured the delivery of a set of twins.
She commended the Lagos State Government for its unwavering dedication to reducing maternal and child mortality and improving healthcare accessibility across the state.
At the Isolo General Hospital, Chairman, Lagos State Health Service Commission, Dr. Atinuke Onayiga celebrated the delivery of Baby Damilola Lawal as the first baby of the year, born at 1:32 a.m.
Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, in his remarks, commended the First Lady for her steadfast commitment to sustaining the tradition of celebrating the First Baby of the Year.