The wife of Abia governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti, on Monday welcomed the first baby of the year 2024 at Okpulor Ukwu Primary Health Center, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Otti presented gift items to the baby during her goodwill visit to the health centre.NAN also reports that the first baby of the year, Baby Chiziterem Jethro Ikechukwu, a boy, weighed 2.5 kilogrammes.He was born at 12:02 am to the family of Mr and Mrs Ikechukwu Albert of Mbubo community, Isiala Ngwa North LGA.
Speaking during the visit, Otti described the birth of a child as a special occasion that calls for celebration and thanksgiving to God.She added that the birth of a child brings good fortune, saying that it was not by chance but a product of God’s divine will.
Otti said that she was delighted that baby and mother were in good health.
“We are overjoyed because this is a blessing to the state and I know that the birth of this baby has been ordained by God.
“We have come to rejoice with you and we believe that God has great things in stock for this baby.
“This is a special occasion because this is the first baby of the year since the inception of this administration.
“This child is going to grow in health and do well in all areas of life and will bring joy to the parents,” she said. Otti advised the mother to practice exclusive breastfeeding, adding that the benefits are enormous for mother and child. She commended the staff of the health centre for their efforts in rendering effective services to patients.
Otti added that the government would not relent in improving access to quality healthcare services in the state. She also said that the government had evolved programmes and policies that would be executed through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to improve the welfare of women and children in Abia.
Also, the Officer in Charge of the health centre, Miss Uloaku Ihesiene, said that the mother of the baby was actively in labour on arrival at the facility.
“We all were happy to welcome the baby and I am very glad to witness this celebration,” Ihesiene said.
Responding, the mother of the child, Mrs Onyinyechi Ikechukwu, said that she was delighted with her bundle of joy and promised to raise him with the fear of God.
Ikechukwu thanked the governor’s wife for her kind gesture and prayed God to bless her immensely. NAN further reports that Otti visited babies born at Abia Specialist and Diagnostic Hospital, Amachara.
