The Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, welcomed and presented gifts items to the first babies of the year in four Lagos General Hospitals.
Sanwo-Olu made the presentation during the 2024 Baby of the year celebration on Monday in Lagos.
She presented gift items to the first babies at Badagry General Hospital; Maternal Child Centre (MCC) Amuwo-Odofin; Ajeromi General Hospital and Apapa General Hospital.
At Ajeromi General Hospital, a boy who weighed 2.9 kilograms and delivered at 12.01 a.m by Mrs Balogun is the first baby of the year.
Also, a boy who weighed 3.6 kilograms, born at 12.04 a.m by Mrs Echo-Harry, is the first baby of the year at the Badagry General Hospital.
Similarly, the first babies of the year at the Maternal and Child Centre, Amuwo-Odofin are twins delivered through Cesarean Section by Mrs Salaudeen.
The first child, a boy, weighing 3 kg, was delivered at 12.07 a.m; the second child, also a boy weighing 3.5 kg, was delivered at 12.09 a.m.
The first baby of the year at the Apapa General Hospital is a boy who weighed 2.6kg, born at 12.38 a.m by Mrs Rafiu Rachael.
Welcoming the babies at these hospitals, Sanwo-Olu said the birth of a child signifies a precious blessing, symbolising hope, new beginnings, and the resilience of life.
Sanwo-Olu noted that a child’s birth was pivotal in preserving heritage and fostering good fortune for families and society.
She commended the state government’s effort in fortifying maternal and child health policies, upgrading healthcare facilities, and ensuring accessible and affordable services.
Sanwo-Olu reiterated the government’s commitment to creating an environment where children can thrive and access quality healthcare service.
She also encouraged residents to take advantage of the maternal and child care initiatives of the government for the well-being of their families.
Sanwo-Olu commended the dedication of healthcare workers and recognised the efforts of the hospital management and staff of the four general hospitals for meeting the health needs of residents.
Similarly, Prof. Akin Abayomi, the state Commissioner for Health, expressed gratitude at the joyous event celebrating the birth of the first babies of the year, saying it promotes maternal and child health across the state.
Abayomi, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Olusegun Ogboye, highlighted the efforts made to reduce maternal, neonatal, and child mortality rates in the state.
He said this led to the establishment of 11 modern Maternal and Childcare Centres equipped with advanced facilities and skilled healthcare professionals, to ensure quality service delivery to residents.
Also, Dr Olatunde Bakare, Medical Director, Badagry General Hospital, said the hospital recorded over 3000 deliveries in the past three years, including 1350 cesarean sections.
Bakare said these births include successful deliveries of twins, triplets, and quadruplets, all with both mothers and children thriving.
He attributed the success to the hospital’s robust management of personnel and equipment, emphasising the importance of the massive infrastructure upgrade and expansion undertaken by the state government.