FIRST LADY SENATOR OLUREMI TINUBU WELCOMES NIGERIA'S FIRST BABY OF 2026, PRESENTS BIRTH CERTIFICATE TO THE NEWBORN

The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, today, 1st January 2026, officially welcomed the nation’s first baby of the year, Enekole Zion Adakole, at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Abuja.

Baby Enekole, a girl, was born to a 26-year-old first-time mother, Mrs. Omeyi Patience Adakole and Mr Celestine Adakole at exactly 12:00 am today. As part of the ceremony, Senator Tinubu presented the newborn with an official birth certificate issued by the National Population Commission (NPC).

The First Lady also celebrated Mrs. Blessing Oragwu, who gave birth to triplets—two boys and a girl—after 13 years of marriage, as well as another baby boy delivered today at FMC Jabi.

Accompanied by the wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Nana Shettima; the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; and the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, among other dignitaries, Senator Tinubu expressed gratitude to God for seeing Nigerians safely into the new year.

The First Lady described Nigerian women as strong, resilient, and resourceful, urging them to pursue their dreams without fear or hesitation.

“Nigerian women are blessed and hardworking, just like our mothers. Whatever God has laid in your heart to do this year, go ahead and do it. Start small, and you will be amazed at what you can achieve,” she encouraged.

Senator Tinubu also emphasized the importance of generosity and compassion in nation-building, encouraging Nigerians to practice intentional giving.

“If you want money, you have to sow money. If you give clothes, you will receive clothes. Whatever you sow, you will receive. This is a year of generosity, and our giving must be intentional,” she noted.

Senator Tinubu also presented gifts to baby Enekole and four other newborns delivered on New Year’s Day at FMC Jabi.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the National Population Commission, Dr. Aminu Yusuf, underscored the significance of prompt birth registration and certification, describing it as a crucial step in giving every child a legal identity.

“Immediate birth registration ensures that every Nigerian child is recognized, protected, and can access basic services as a citizen. The Commission is committed to ensuring that every child born in Nigeria is registered and issued a birth certificate,” Dr. Yusuf said.

He revealed that the NPC intends to collaborate more closely with state First Ladies to expand the First Baby of the Year initiative across the country, ensuring that newborns in every state are promptly registered and issued certificates.

“While this ceremony has traditionally taken place at the national level, from next year, we hope to replicate it in all states. We want First Ladies in the states to partner with our Federal Commissioners and State Directors to register and celebrate the first babies of the year,” the NPC Chairman added.

Dr. Yusuf also commended UNICEF, the Office of the First Lady, and other partners for supporting the Commission’s ongoing birth registration drive.

In his remarks, the NPC Director-General, Dr. Osifo Tellson Ojogun, clarified the Commission’s role in population management, explaining that the Commission provides data to guide national planning and policy decisions.

“The National Population Commission does not directly manage population. Our role is to generate accurate data that helps government agencies and partners make informed decisions on managing population growth,” Dr. Ojogun stated.

Other officials present at the ceremony included the Federal Commissioner representing Kogi State, Hon. Yori Afolabi, as well as NPC directors and technical staff.

The event was part of the First Lady’s annual New Year outreach, which highlights her commitment to women, children, and family welfare across Nigeria.