The Ondo State Government has continued its tradition of honouring the first babies of the year by donating gifts and urging nursing mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding for the healthy growth of their children.

The gesture was led by the First Lady, Mrs. Seun Aiyedatiwa, at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, and the Comprehensive Health Centre, Akure. She welcomed the newborns and distributed gifts to the babies and their families.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the first baby of 2026, a female weighing 3.7 kilograms, was born at 12:41 a.m. at the Specialist Hospital. Two other babies, a male and female each weighing 3.09 kilograms, received gifts at the Comprehensive Health Centre after being born at 4:09 a.m. and 8:29 a.m., respectively.

Representing the Deputy Governor’s wife, Dr. Abosede Adelami, Aiyedatiwa encouraged mothers to care for themselves, attend antenatal programmes, and ensure their children receive timely immunisations. She expressed concern that many mothers still do not observe exclusive breastfeeding and urged them to discard misconceptions about vaccination.

Mrs. Aiyedatiwa also advised couples to embrace family planning policies in light of economic realities.

Meanwhile, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, promised that residents could expect improved healthcare services in the new year. He advised pregnant women to access only government-approved health facilities and emphasised that immunisation is crucial for child survival.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu, noted that the state’s primary healthcare system has been restructured for better service delivery, with over 102 primary healthcare facilities renovated and adequately staffed. He thanked Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for increased investments in the sector.

NAN also reported that babies born on December 25 and December 31, 2025, in the state’s health facilities received gifts from the First Lady.