Anambra first lady celebrates first babies born in 2026

By Sunny A. David, Awka

The First Lady of Anambra State, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has welcomed the first babies born in the State in 2026, marking the New Year with visits to selected public hospitals.

Dr. Soludo, who is also the founder of the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative, began the visits on Thursday, New Year’s Day, and continued on Friday. During the visits, she presented gifts and cash support to the newborns and their mothers as part of her annual New Year Babies celebration.

The First Lady spent time interacting with the families, sharing moments of joy, offering words of encouragement, and praying for the healthy growth and future of the children.

Expressing satisfaction with the outcomes of the State’s healthcare interventions, Dr. Soludo highlighted testimonies from mothers who benefited from the Anambra State Government’s free antenatal and delivery services.

The programme, now in its third year, provides free antenatal care and delivery including caesarean sections in all public hospitals across the State.

She described the annual celebration of babies born on January 1 as a symbolic and spiritual tradition that signifies thanksgiving, hope, and the beginning of a New Year.

According to her, the initiative celebrates the gift of life, acknowledges God’s blessings, and reaffirms optimism for the future of Anambra State through its youngest citizens.

“I was deeply moved by the heartwarming testimonies of mothers who received antenatal care and delivered their babies, including C-section births, at no cost through our free maternal healthcare programme,” she said.

Dr. Soludo thanked God for the gift of children and prayed that the newborns would grow into responsible citizens and future leaders of the State.

“We thank God for the gift of our children. May they grow to become the pride of Anambra State,” she added.