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CELEBRATING LIFE: Lagos Welcomes First Babies of the Year in three General Hospitals
……. As First Lady Reaffirms Commitment to Maternal and Child Health at 2025 Celebration, Lauds Healthcare Workers
First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has today celebrated the arrival of the first babies of 2025 across three general hospitals in the state.
Amid smiles and applause, Baby Olaolu, Twins Osayomi, and Baby Lawal were warmly welcomed as symbols of a promising year ahead.
The celebrations took place at Ikorodu General Hospital, Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital, and Isolo General Hospital, where the First Lady joined by the Wife of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat presented gifts to the newborns and their families.
Baby Olaolu, a girl weighing 2.75kg, was the first baby of the year at Ikorodu General Hospital, born at 12:34 a.m.
Twins Osayomi, delivered at Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital, included a girl (2.5kg) born at 12:14 a.m. and a boy (2.049kg) at 12:15 a.m.
At Isolo General Hospital, Baby Lawal, a boy weighing 2.7kg, was born at 1:32 a.m.
In her warm address at the events, Dr. Sanwo-Olu highlighted the importance of celebrating new life as a symbol of hope, continuity, and resilience.
“The birth of a child signifies the assurance that our heritage is carried forward to the next generation. It is a moment of communal celebration that unites us in joy and gratitude,” she stated.
The First Lady also reiterated the Lagos State Government’s commitment to advancing maternal and child healthcare.
She commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration for its strides in health infrastructure, including the establishment of the Lagos State Medical University and grassroots health initiatives like the Tuberculosis Ambassadors program.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu used the occasion to appreciate healthcare professionals for their dedication. At Ikorodu General Hospital, she lauded the medical director and staff for their positive attitude and improved service delivery.
Similar commendations were extended to the teams at Ifako-Ijaiye and Isolo General Hospitals for their outstanding contributions to patient care.
The First Lady also expressed gratitude to philanthropic organizations, NGOs, and corporate partners for their support.
“Your contributions have significantly boosted our healthcare delivery. I encourage more partnerships to enhance services across the state,” she said.
The Lagos State Government has championed numerous maternal and child health initiatives, including breastfeeding campaigns and the Maternal and Child Health Week.
These efforts, Dr. Sanwo-Olu noted, have significantly improved outcomes for mothers and children.
Reflecting on the broader significance of the day, Dr. Sanwo-Olu encouraged residents to embrace healthy lifestyles and leverage available healthcare programs.
She emphasized the collective responsibility in fostering societal welfare, likening it to the care required for nurturing a newborn.
The celebratory event also served as a platform to recognize the contributions of community leaders, chiefs, and individuals who support healthcare projects. Dr. Sanwo-Olu urged them to sustain their efforts and inspire others to join in.
To the proud parents of the first babies, the First Lady extended heartfelt congratulations. She assured them of Lagos State’s continued support and prayed for the children’s well-being and prosperity.
“May these babies grow into responsible citizens and nation-builders,” she added.
Earlier, in her address at Ikorodu General Hospital, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi expressed her joy and gratitude for witnessing the occasion alongside Her Excellency, Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, and other dignitaries.
She congratulated the first baby of the year and emphasized the State’s commitment to reducing maternal, neonatal, and child morbidity and mortality through interventions such as the ILERA EKO health insurance scheme.
Dr. Ogunyemi highlighted the remarkable achievements of Ikorodu General Hospital, including impressive patient statistics from the past year, which underscore the dedication of the healthcare workforce.
She used the opportunity to encourage Lagosians to enroll in the State Health Insurance Scheme to enhance access to affordable and quality healthcare services.
She celebrated the birth of Baby Olaolu, the first baby of the year at Ikorodu General Hospital, and wished her a bright future as a beacon of hope and progress.
Dr. Ogunyemi also called on all parents and citizens to support the State Government’s healthcare initiatives actively, ensuring sustainable quality healthcare delivery across the State.
Speaking at the Ifako Ijaiye General Hospital, Secretary to the State Government, Barr. ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin expressed delight at the celebration of the First Baby of the Year 2025, which featured the delivery of a set of twins.
She commended the Lagos State Government, led by Mr. Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for its unwavering dedication to reducing maternal and child mortality and improving healthcare accessibility across the State.
Barr. Salu-Hundeyin praised the remarkable achievements of Ifako Ijaiye General Hospital, emphasizing the critical role of healthcare workers in achieving exceptional outcomes despite challenges.
She congratulated the parents of the twins and highlighted the importance of enrolling in the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme to guarantee equitable access to healthcare services for all residents.
At the Isolo General Hospital, Chairman, Lagos State Health Service Commission, Dr. Atinuke Onayiga celebrated the delivery of Baby Damilola Lawal as the first baby of the year, born at 1:32 a.m.
She acknowledged the dedication of healthcare workers at the hospital, whose exceptional efforts led to notable achievements in 2024, including impressive service statistics across various medical units.
Dr. Onayiga lauded the State Government’s leadership and innovative healthcare interventions, which continue to reduce neonatal and maternal mortality rates.
She called on individuals and corporate organizations to collaborate with the State Government to sustain and improve healthcare service delivery for the benefit of Lagosians.
Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, in his remarks, commended the Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, for her steadfast commitment to sustaining the tradition of celebrating the First Baby of the Year.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ogboye underscored the Ministry of Health’s dedication to achieving milestones in maternal and child healthcare through initiatives such as ILERA EKO and other strategic health interventions.
He congratulated the families of the celebrants and applauded the outstanding healthcare teams across Lagos State for their resilience and dedication.
Dr. Ogboye also reiterated the importance of collective efforts to enroll in the State Health Insurance Scheme, enabling seamless access to healthcare for all.
The First Lady was also joined at the event by the Federal Commissioner representing Lagos State in the National Population Commission (NPC), Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye; Female Lagos State Executive Council Members; Members of the Body of Permanent Secretaries; Members of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials; Chairmen of Local Government and Local Council Development Areas and other Top Government Officials.
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All Schools in Nigeria to Use Only NERDC Approved Textbooks, says Alausa
The policy will be backed by nationwide sensitisation efforts targeting educators and key stakeholders to ensure compliance.
Photo: Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa said Monday that effectively from the September 2026 academic session, only the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, NERDC, approved textbooks will be use for instructional materials in primary , junior and senior secretary schools nationwide.
“Only a select number of top-ranked textbooks will be approved for use in schools per subject, effectively eliminating the glut of materials that has long plagued the system and confused teachers, students, and parents alike,” said Alausa.
He emphasised that any textbook not ranked under the new system will be barred from classrooms, regardless of its previous licensing status, signalling a firm commitment to raising standards and restoring order in the education sector.
He explained that under the new framework, the NERDC, will retain its statutory role of approving textbooks but will now go a step further by ranking them through a rigorous national evaluation process.
This ranking will be done by committees to determine the most suitable and highest-quality textbooks for each subject and level of education.
These committees will subject submitted textbooks to strict academic and pedagogical scrutiny, assessing their relevance, clarity, and alignment with national standards before assigning rankings.
The policy will be backed by nationwide sensitisation efforts targeting educators and key stakeholders to ensure compliance.
The government said that the reform aligns Nigeria with global best practices in instructional material standardisation and forms part of broader efforts to boost learning outcomes, strengthen quality assurance, and equip students with reliable, high-standard educational resources.
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Kogi Govt Warns of Establishing Schools, Orphanages At Unsecured Locations
The facility, identified as Dahallukitab Group of School, was reportedly operating illegally in a remote, bushy location without registration with the State Government or the knowledge of relevant authorities and security agencies.
Photo: Tajudeen Islamic Foundation and Children’s Home, alongside the Daarulkitab Islamic Training Center in Zariagi, Kogi State.
The Kogi State Government has warned that establishing orphanages, schools, and similar facilities in vulnerable areas without proper registration and notification to authorities is a serious security risks, especially in the prevailing insecurity environment.
Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said that the operation of such facilities outside regulatory oversight not only undermines safety standards but also exposes innocent children to avoidable dangers.
According to the Commissioner, the government, therefore, urged operators of orphanages and schools to comply strictly with existing regulations and engage relevant authorities for proper security assessment and protection.
The warning came on the backdrop of Sunday April 26 bandit attack on an unregistered orphanage and school facility in Zariagi, along the Kabba Junction axis of Lokoja.
The facility, identified as Dahallukitab Group of School, was reportedly operating illegally in a remote, bushy location without registration with the State Government or the knowledge of relevant authorities and security agencies.
The incident occurred late on April 26, 2026, when unknown gunmen invaded the premises and abducted 23 pupils alongside the wife of the proprietor.
Following the swift intervention of security operatives, led by the Nigeria Police Force in Kogi State and supported by other agencies, 15 pupils have been rescued , while efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims.
Fanwo commended the gallantry and professionalism of the security agencies, noting that their swift and coordinated response significantly curtailed the impact of the attack..
Reaffirming its stance, the Kogi State Government assured residents of its uncompromising commitment to the protection of lives and property, adding that security operations remain active to bring the situation under full control.
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Nigeria Issues Safety Advisory to Citizens in South Africa over attacks on foreigners
Nigerian business owners were specifically cautioned to take preventive measures, including shutting down operations on Freedom Day, April 27, and possibly extending closures through April 28 and 29, noting that foreign-owned businesses are often targets during such unrest.
• Anti – immigrant groups in South Africa protest
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has urged Nigerian citizens residing in South Africa to exercise caution and strictly adhere to safety advisories amid rising anti-foreigner protests in parts of the country.
According to the advisory, intelligence reports indicate that additional protests are scheduled to take place in Gauteng Province between April 27 and April 29, with demonstrators reportedly seeking to pressure the South African government over the presence of foreign nationals.
NiDCOM in a press release signed by its Head, Media, a public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun advised Nigerians to avoid engaging with protest groups, steer clear of confrontation, and closely monitor local media for updates on the security situation.
The commission also stressed the importance of remaining law-abiding at all times.
Nigerian business owners were specifically cautioned to take preventive measures, including shutting down operations on Freedom Day, April 27, and possibly extending closures through April 28 and 29, noting that foreign-owned businesses are often targets during such unrest.
NiDCOM reaffirmed its support for the position of the Consul-General in Johannesburg, Ambassador Ninikanwa O. Okey-Uche, stating that the consulate remains operational and is working closely with South African security agencies to safeguard Nigerian nationals.
South Africa is home to about 2.4 million migrants, just less than 4% of the population, according to official figures. However, many more are thought to be in the country unofficially.Most come from neighbouring countries such as Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, which have a history of providing migrant labour to their wealthy neighbour. A smaller number come from Nigeria.
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