By Prosper Mene
In continuation of an annual tradition, the wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has welcomed the first babies born on New Year’s Day 2026 across various hospitals in the state, presenting them and their mothers with generous gifts and cash donations.
Dr. Soludo, founder of the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo initiative, visited multiple health facilities where she personally interacted with the newborns and their families. The gifts included essential hampers filled with baby items such as milk, groundnut oil, sanitary products, and other necessities, alongside cash awards to support the mothers’ nutrition and well-being during the nursing period.
Describing the visits as a “spiritual journey,” the First Lady expressed profound gratitude to God for the gift of new life. “We call them ‘New Year Babies,'” she said. “For us, itโs a time to pay homage to Godโs great gifts and also take part in the fruits of His divine blessings, through these children, in whose hands we wish to bequeath the future of our state.”
She prayed for the babies to grow in peace, grace, and favor, becoming beacons of pride for Anambra. Dr. Soludo also highlighted the symbolic significance of the births as a joyful start to the year, reflecting the ongoing improvements in the state’s primary healthcare system.
The First Lady was particularly moved by testimonies from mothers who benefited from the state government’s free antenatal and delivery services, now in its third year. These include zero-cost deliveries, even for caesarean sections, in public hospitals. “I was equally pleased to hear exciting testimonies from mothers who had their antenatal care and deliveries at no cost,” she noted, urging more expectant and nursing mothers to utilize government-owned facilities with confidence.
This gesture shows Dr. Soludo’s commitment to maternal and child health, aligning with her broader advocacy for healthy living and accessible healthcare in Anambra State.
The tradition of celebrating New Year babies has become a cherished event, bringing hope and celebration to families as the state steps into 2026.
