Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on Wednesday welcomed the first baby born in the country in 2025 in a heartwarming traditional ceremony held at Asokoro General Hospital in Abuja, marking a hopeful start to the new year.

The baby, Chioma Odion Oyigbo, was born at 12:27am, weighing a healthy 3.6 kilograms, according to a statement by the First Lady’s media aide, Busola Kukoyi.

The First Lady, who was represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, expressed heartfelt congratulations to the parents of Baby Chioma and emphasised the vital role that health and well-being play in a child’s development.

“As parents, it is essential to give your children the attention and care they deserve,” she stated.

She also prayed for the health and prosperity of all newborns, urging parents to prioritise their children’s needs.

In a gesture of goodwill, Hajia Shettima presented Baby Chioma with an array of gifts, including cash support and a hard copy of her birth registration certificate.

Other newborns present at the hospital were also celebrated with gifts, creating an atmosphere of joy and community spirit.

Reacting to the gesture, Baby Chioma’s mother, Mrs. Chioma Oyigbo, said, “I am truly overwhelmed. I lack words to express how I feel; I don’t know what to say.”

Reflecting on her journey through pregnancy, she described the early stages as smooth but acknowledged that the final moments were particularly challenging.

“It became so tough towards the end, but God saw me through. I am so happy to be here today with my baby,” she said.

Mrs. Oyigbo said the recognition of her daughter as the first baby of the year came as a delightful surprise to her.

“I never thought she would be celebrated as the first baby of the year, but it happened; she is a superstar baby,” Mrs. Oyigbo said.

“Who am I for the First Lady to celebrate this moment with me? I thank God for this incredible experience,” she said.

On her part, Baby Chioma’s father, Mr. Odion Oyigbo, said he was very happy to see the First Lady visit his baby.

“It is not easy, but I’m grateful to God,” he remarked.

He recounted his surprise when he returned to find a crowd gathered at the hospital for the celebration.

“I went out for a while, and when I came back, there were people everywhere; they said that the First Lady was coming,” he explained.

Mr. Oyigbo recalled how touched he was when Hajia Shettima advised him to take good care of his daughter because she might one day become a First Lady herself.

“I will take that advice very seriously because I want to see my baby become a leader in her own right,” he said.