Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has welcomed the nation into the new year with a message of hope and thanksgiving, describing 2026 as a year of “peace in abundance” and “prosperity in abundance” for Nigerians.
She made the remarks during a New Year visit to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Abuja, where she celebrated with new mothers and presented gifts to newborns and their families.
Senator Tinubu, who was accompanied by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima; Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; and Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Hajia Mariya Mahmoud, among other dignitaries, welcomed the “First Baby of the Year”, a baby girl born at exactly midnight to 26-year-old first-time mother, Adakole Patience.
She also celebrated Mrs. Blessing Oragwu, who delivered triplets, two boys and a girl, on December 29, 2025, after 13 years of marriage, presenting the family with gifts.
Another newborn baby boy was also visited during the tour of the hospital’s postnatal ward.
Reflecting on the significance of the New Year births, the First Lady expressed gratitude for life and protection through the past year.
She said, “I’m excited because last year was something else. It’s like all of us that made it into the New Year, we should be thankful… We thank God.”
Drawing from Yoruba cultural wisdom, she added that female children are believed to “come with ease,” expressing optimism that the year would bring great fortune to the nation.
Senator Tinubu also used the occasion to encourage Nigerian women to pursue their dreams with determination and faith.
“Nigerian women are blessed… very hardworking. Whatever they feel God has laid in their hearts to do, they should do it. Never feel that you don’t have money to do business. Start small, and you will be amazed,” she said.
Emphasising compassion and charity, the First Lady declared 2026 a “year of generosity,” urging Nigerians to intentionally support the less privileged.
“If you want money, you have to sow into the lives of the less privileged… Be generous. Giving should be intentional,” she noted.
She further invited the public to listen to her Daughters of Zelophehad podcast for a broader message for the new year.
