By RismadarVoice Media
January 2, 2026
Wife of the Governor of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, on Thursday welcomed the first baby of 2026 at the Akirika Ukwu Primary Healthcare Centre in Ukwa East Local Government Area of the state.
The baby girl, Oluebubechi Nwatuobi Excessgrace, was born at exactly 12:43a.m. on January 1, 2026, weighing 3 kilograms, making her the first recorded birth of the year in Abia State.
To mark the historic birth, Mrs. Otti presented the newborn and her mother with essential items, including bags of rice, milk, groundnut oil, sanitary materials, cash donation of N1 million, aimed at supporting the mother’s nutrition and overall well-being during the nursing period.
In a symbolic gesture, the First Lady also named the child “Ihuoma,” expressing hope that the newborn would grow in peace, grace and favour.
Describing the birth as a joyful, symbolic start to the new year, Mrs. Otti said it reflected the improving functionality of Abia State’s primary healthcare system. She encouraged expectant and nursing mothers across the state to embrace government-owned health facilities, assuring them of quality care.
She further offered prayers for the newborn, urged the parents to raise her with strong moral values that would positively shape her future.
Speaking during the visit, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Enoch Uche, commended the First Lady for her consistent support to the health sector, noting that her efforts complement the healthcare reforms of Governor Alex Otti, aimed at strengthening service delivery across the state.
Also speaking, the Matron of the health centre, Ms. Kasarachi Emmanuel, expressed gratitude to Mrs. Otti for the visit and donations, describing them as timely, impactful.
The parents of the newborn, Mr. Nwatuobi Chiagozie and Mrs. Blessing Chinagozie, natives of Itungwa in Obingwa Local Government Area, thanked the First Lady for her kindness, saying the gesture made the birth of their daughter a memorable and joyful experience.
