The New Year began with celebration across Ogun State as the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, welcomed the first babies of 2026, beginning at the Batoro Community Health Centre in Sagamu.

The state’s first "Baby of the Year," a healthy boy born to the family of Mr. Samuel and Mrs. Ayoola Oluwadamilare, arrived via natural birth at exactly 12:01 AM.

During her visit, Mrs. Abiodun congratulated the parents and emphasized the symbolic importance of the first baby, noting that honoring these arrivals reflects the state's value for new life.

Joined by top health officials, including wife of the Speaker and Permanent Secretary, Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Yinka Elemide and the Executive Secretary of the Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. Elijah Ogunsola, the First Lady used the occasion to advocate for maternal health, urging new mothers to prioritize exclusive breastfeeding for their infants' development.

"It is significant to honor the baby of the year as a symbol of hope and a bright start for our state," Mrs. Abiodun remarked.

The celebrations extended beyond Sagamu, as the First Lady ensured that other New Year babies were recognized.

At the  General Hospital in  

Obafemi Owode, the First Lady, represented by wife of the Speaker, Dr. Yinka Elemide presented gifts to the families of Baby Eworo, born at 2:51 AM, 3.2kg, and Baby Innocent, born at 10:58 AM, 2.6kg.

At the Oba Ademola Maternity Hospital in Abeokuta, Baby Adebiyi, born via Caesarean section at 12:01 AM weighing 4.4kg, was also honored with gifts from the First Lady.

The father of the first baby, Mr. Samuel Oluwadamilare, expressed profound gratitude to the Governor's wife for her kindness.

Supporting these sentiments, the Olu of Owode-Egba, Oba Kolawole Sowemimo, lauded the state government’s commitment to maternal and child health. He specifically praised the recent provision of ambulances to all local governments, noting that such strides are vital for safe deliveries across the state.