The Wife of the President, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday unveiled Nigeria’s First Baby of the Year 2026, born precisely at midnight at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja.
Baby Zion Adakole, born to Mr. and Mrs. Celestine Adakole, was delivered via caesarean section to 26-year-old first-time mother, Mrs. Patience Adakole.
In line with her tradition of promoting love and supporting maternal and child healthcare, Mrs. Tinubu presented the newborn with a National Birth Certificate issued by the National Population Commission (NPC) as the Baby of the Year. She also gifted cash and other items to Zion, a gesture extended to other newborns at the hospital.
Hospital officials confirmed that Zion Adakole was the first baby delivered at the facility in 2026.
Describing the birth as symbolic, the First Lady said it marked both the beginning of a new year and the promise of new beginnings. She also extended her affection to three other babies born on January 1, including a set of quadruplets delivered to Mr. and Mrs. Blessing Oragwu after 13 years of waiting.
Mrs. Tinubu emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an environment where every Nigerian child can thrive and reach their full potential. During the visit, she held each of the babies, offering prayers for the newborns, their parents, and Nigerians at large.
She encouraged parents to cherish and nurture their children, describing them as blessings and future leaders of the country. The First Lady also called on Nigerians to show compassion and support for the less privileged, highlighting that improving lives is a shared responsibility.
The visit is expected to continue to other hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory, including the National Hospital, Abuja.
Accompanying Mrs. Tinubu were the Wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the Chairman of NPC, Mr. Aminu Yusuf, and other dignitaries.
