Calabar, Nigeria – The University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) in Cross River State welcomed five babies of 2025, with the first, Baby Rhoda Neji, born at 2:26 a.m. on New Year’s Day.
Baby Rhoda, weighing 2.8kg, was the first of five babies born at the hospital’s labour ward that day.
The subsequent births included:
- Baby Itambu Ajigi, born at 9:56 a.m., weighing 3kg.
- Baby Joy Robinson, born at 10:27 a.m., weighing 3.3kg, to a nurse who was on duty the previous evening.
- Baby Gift George Uye, born at 11:26 a.m., weighing 3.4kg.
- Baby Jemima Ogoh, born at 3:21 p.m., weighing 2.95kg.
The joyous occasion attracted visits and gifts from notable individuals and organisations. Among them were:
- Her Excellency Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, wife of the Cross River State Governor, represented by Dr. Comfort Oko.
- Jorjor Foundation for Mother and Child.
- Glory Tete Ephraim, Queen of Humanity.
- Queen Ansa Ekpo Okon Otu, wife of the Obong of Calabar.
- Rev. Mary Theodore of Prayer City.
- Lions Club.
- Mrs. Patience Nsa Ekpo, who shared her personal experience of having a baby cared for in the hospital’s special care unit.
- Nurse Helen Etukufot, who, as a January 1st baby herself, brought gifts for Baby Rhoda.
The UCTH management expressed gratitude for the support and goodwill, emphasizing the significance of starting the year with new lives.
The celebration highlighted the hospital’s dedication to maternal and child health and fostered a sense of unity and community support.