Vitafoam Nigeria Plc has once again marked the new year with its long-standing “First Baby” tradition at Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, celebrating six decades of supporting new beginnings.
At exactly 2:45am, the first baby of 2026 was born, a baby girl weighing 2.1kg, signaling not only the arrival of a new life but the continuation of a 60-year corporate social responsibility initiative. Her parents, Clifford Afekhuai from Edo State and his wife, Fidelia from Delta State, received recognition and gifts from the foam manufacturing company.
An emotional Afekhuai expressed his joy, describing himself as “the happiest person” and offering prayers for the hospital staff, wishing them wisdom, longevity, and continued success in caring for mothers and newborns.
The second baby of the year followed at 4:25am. A healthy baby boy weighing 3.2kg was born to Oluwatoyin Salimon Oluwatunji and Oluwatoyin Kawthar from Kwara State. The father praised the hospital for the seamless delivery and warm treatment, describing the experience as excellent and stress-free.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony, Vitafoam’s Commercial Director, Alhaji Dahiru Gambo, highlighted the importance of the initiative, noting that the company has consistently celebrated the first babies of the year for the past 60 years as part of its CSR efforts.
The programme recognises the first three babies born at the hospital on January 1 each year, with donations that include mattresses, pillows, and bedding for both families and the hospital. Gambo explained that the partnership is designed to motivate healthcare providers and support improved service delivery, stressing that private sector collaboration is essential in strengthening public healthcare.
The Medical Director and CEO of Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Dr. Taiwo Adeiyi, commended Vitafoam for its unwavering commitment, describing the initiative as a noble example of corporate giving. He encouraged other organisations, particularly manufacturers of maternal and child-care products, to emulate the gesture and support healthcare facilities.
Also speaking, the Apex Nurse and Head of Nursing Services, Toyin Champion, praised Vitafoam as a dependable partner, while openly appealing for even greater support. She reaffirmed the hospital’s willingness to collaborate with more organisations dedicated to improving maternal and child healthcare.
The annual celebration once again underscored Vitafoam’s enduring role in supporting families, healthcare workers, and communities at the very start of each new year.
