The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, on Wednesday welcomed the first baby of 2025 at the General Hospital, Nnobi, in the Idemili South Local Government Area of the state.

Mrs Soludo presented gift items to the newborns and their families during her goodwill visit to the hospital.

The first baby of the year, a boy weighing 2.4 kilogrammes, was born to Elizabeth Nwachukwu from Enugu State through normal delivery at 12:18 a.m.

Mrs Soludo also visited the General Hospital in Ekwulobia, Aguata LGA, where Chinaza Mmuoghalum from Ekwulobia delivered a baby girl weighing 4kilogrammes at 7:16 a.m.

Speaking to journalists, founder of the Healthy Living Initiative, Mrs Soludo, stated that the birth of a child, especially in the New Year, brings good fortune to both families and society.

“I do this every year to welcome our new babies into the world, celebrate with their families, and show our love, kindness, and gratitude to God. I am impressed with the health workers and their relentless efforts in providing effective services to mothers and babies.”

She also encouraged mothers to adopt a healthy lifestyle and practice exclusive breastfeeding for six months, highlighting its benefits for both the child’s health and reducing unnecessary healthcare costs.

Mrs Soludo commended the state government’s efforts to enhance maternal and child health policies, improve healthcare facilities, and ensure that services were affordable and accessible.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, urged mothers to take advantage of the state government’s free antenatal and delivery services, as well as immunisation programmes.

One of the mothers, Mrs Nwachukwu, expressed gratitude, stating that she did not pay for antenatal care or delivery services.

(NAN)