Abia First Lady Welcomes First Baby of 2026, Donates ₦1m and Gift Items

The First Lady of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, on Thursday welcomed the state’s first baby of the year 2026, presenting the newborn with a cash gift of ₦1 million alongside essential household and medical items.

The baby girl, named Miss Oluebubechi Excessgrace Nwatuobi, was delivered at 12:43 a.m. on January 1, 2026, at the Akirika Ukwu Primary Healthcare Centre in Ukwa East Local Government Area. She weighed 3kg at birth.

During her visit to the facility, Mrs. Otti presented the baby and her mother with bags of rice, milk, groundnut oil, sanitary materials, and other welfare items, in addition to the financial donation. She noted that the gesture was aimed at supporting the nursing mother’s wellbeing and nutrition.

Expressing delight at the symbolic birth, the First Lady also named the child “Ihuoma,” praying that she grows in peace, grace, and divine favour. She described the baby’s arrival as a joyful beginning to the new year.

Mrs. Otti further stated that the safe delivery at a primary healthcare centre reflects the ongoing improvement in Abia’s healthcare system. She encouraged expectant and nursing mothers to confidently utilise government-owned health facilities across the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, commended the First Lady for her continuous support to the health sector and applauded Governor Alex Otti’s reforms, which he said have revitalised many primary healthcare centres across Abia. He urged women to take advantage of the facilities available to prevent avoidable maternal deaths.

The Matron of the healthcare centre, Kasarachi Emmanuel, expressed appreciation for the visit and donations, describing them as timely and impactful.

The parents of the baby, Mr. Nwatuobi Chiagozie and Mrs. Blessing Chinagozie from Itungwa, Obingwa Local Government Area, expressed gratitude to the First Lady and prayed God’s blessings upon the government.

The First Lady was accompanied by top government officials during the visit.