Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of Nigeria’s president, welcomed the nation’s first baby of 2026 during a hospital visit on Thursday, continuing her annual tradition of celebrating New Year births and supporting maternal healthcare.
Baby Zion Adakole entered the world precisely at midnight on January 1 at the Federal Medical Centre in Abuja. His mother, 26-year-old Patience Adakole, delivered him via caesarean section in her first childbirth experience alongside her husband, Celestine Adakole.
During her visit, Mrs. Tinubu presented young Zion with a National Birth Certificate from the National Population Commission, along with gifts and financial support. She extended similar gestures to other newborns at the facility, including three additional babies born on New Year’s Day and a set of quadruplets whose parents, Mr. and Mrs. Blessing Oragwu, had waited 13 years for children.
The First Lady characterized Zion’s birth as representing both the new year and fresh opportunities for the nation. She emphasized the government’s dedication to fostering conditions where Nigerian children can reach their potential.
Mrs. Tinubu held each infant, offering prayers for the babies, their families, and all Nigerians. She urged parents to treasure their children as future national leaders and called on citizens to show compassion by supporting those in need.
The hospital tour is scheduled to continue at other medical facilities across the Federal Capital Territory, including the National Hospital in Abuja.
Accompanying the First Lady were Vice President’s wife Hajiya Nana Shettima, Women Affairs Minister Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, National Population Commission Chairman Aminu Yusuf, and other officials.
