January 01, (THEWILL) – The Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, led by Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, marked the New Year by presenting cash and gift items to the first baby of the year and other newborns at the General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene.

Mrs. Obareki, who is the Governor’s daughter and Coordinator of the First Lady’s Office, continued the long-standing tradition of the office by visiting the maternity ward.

She gifted the baby boy, born to Mrs. Nsikan Ekanem Umoh of Ukana Ikot Ntuen, Essien Udim Local Government Area, with cash and gift packs. The baby, weighing 3.3kg, was delivered in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

In a gesture of goodwill, Mrs. Obareki extended her generosity to other newborns in the ward, provided care packages to patients in the hospital’s special care unit, and distributed New Year treats to children in the pediatric ward. The children expressed their gratitude by singing a special song for her and her team.

Speaking to journalists after the visit, Mrs. Obareki offered prayers for the newborns and their families, expressing hope that the babies would bring joy, peace, and prosperity to their homes.

She also prayed for couples seeking the fruit of the womb, wishing them success in their journeys by the end of 2025.

“My prayer is that this baby and others in the ward will bring blessings, joy, peace, and prosperity to their families. For those seeking the fruit of the womb, I pray that God meets them at the point of their needs, and we celebrate them soon,” she said.

She commended Governor Umo Eno’s administration for its citizen-focused initiatives like the ARISE Health Insurance Scheme, emphasizing that the First Lady’s Pet Project, the *Golden Initiative for All (GIFA)*, would continue to prioritize the welfare of vulnerable groups, including children of multiple births and the less privileged.

Dr. Nene Andem, Chief Medical Superintendent of General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene, expressed gratitude for Mrs. Obareki’s visit, noting that the newborn symbolizes a fresh start for the year.

Similarly, Mrs. Affiong Nkom, wife of the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Council, celebrated the arrival of the New Year baby, expressing optimism that the birth would herald abundant blessings for the local government area. She praised Governor Umo Eno for prioritizing health, education, and human capacity development, pledging continued support for grassroots initiatives.

In his remarks, the father of the New Year baby, Mr. Nsikan Ekanem Umoh, thanked God for blessing his family with a son as their first child. He also expressed appreciation to the First Lady Designate for her thoughtfulness and prayed for her continued success.

Accompanying Mrs. Obareki were the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Ini Adiakpan; Vice Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Council, Obonganwan Abigail Akpan; and other female stakeholders from the area.