In a poignant celebration of new beginnings, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu embraced the first moments of 2024 with a visit to the National Hospital Abuja (NHA), where she extended a warm welcome to the Federal Capital Territory’s inaugural baby of the year, Boluwatife Johnson. Born precisely at the stroke of midnight on January 1, 2024, Boluwatife brought not only joy to the Johnson family but also served as a symbolic harbinger of hope for the entire nation.
Mrs. Tinubu’s visit was marked by heartfelt interactions with Boluwatife and other newborns in the hospital. The First Lady, radiating grace and compassion, blessed the infants with prayers and bestowed upon them an array of thoughtful gifts, including post-natal care products, nutritional supplies, and cash presents.
Expressing her pleasure to be present on this auspicious day, Mrs. Tinubu underscored the immense significance of the occasion, characterizing it as a symbol of hope and the promise of better days for the country. She reflected on the profound impact each new life has on society, emphasizing that the birth of a baby serves as a reminder of the continuous cycle of life and the challenges faced by humanity.
“As a mother, I am committed to enhancing an environment that nurtures and supports the wellbeing of our children, particularly in safe and loving homes with access to quality education and healthcare,” Mrs. Tinubu stated, outlining her vision for a future where children can grow into leaders, innovators, and change-makers.
The First Lady’s commitment extended beyond well-wishes, as she urged nursing mothers to prioritize self-care and the health of their newborns. Advocating for immunization, exclusive breastfeeding, and the provision of nutritious weaning food for proper brain development, Mrs. Tinubu offered guidance to expectant mothers, emphasizing the importance of antenatal and postnatal care, basic sanitation, and timely registration of newborns.
Mrs. Tinubu also shed light on the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), a collaborative effort with UNICEF to ensure the proper registration of all births in Nigeria. The initiative aims to safeguard the rights and protection of every child, reaffirming the First Lady’s dedication to building a more secure and nurturing environment for the nation’s youth.
Addressing a crucial health concern, Mrs. Tinubu called upon women to undergo proper medical checkups, especially regarding HIV/AIDS status, to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Her call to action extended to pregnant and nursing mothers, urging them to take steps to ensure their own well-being and that of their children.
The event culminated with Mrs. Tinubu extending warm greetings to baby Boluwatife Johnson, the first baby of the year 2024, congratulating the parents and all other newborns in the FCT. The First Lady expressed gratitude to healthcare professionals, volunteers, and individuals working tirelessly to ensure the well-being of mothers and children.
The Chief Host of the event, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, conveyed appreciation for Mrs. Tinubu’s kind gesture. Prof. Mahmud Raji, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of NHA, also commended Mrs. Tinubu and the RHI for their efforts in reaching out to the newborns.
Accompanied by the Wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, special assistants, and other dignitaries, Mrs. Tinubu’s New Year’s Day celebration stands as a beacon of compassion, signaling a collective commitment to the well-being and prosperity of Nigeria’s newest generation.
