26,039 Nigerians’ll be born on New Year Day –UNICEF

The United Nations International Children’ s Emergency Fund has said that an estimated 26 ,039 babies will be born in Nigeria on New Year’s Day.
UNICEF , in a statement made available to our correspondent on Tuesday, said Nigerian babies would account for almost seven per cent of the estimated 392, 078 babies to be born on New Year’ s Day globally – the third- highest number of babies in the world , after India and China.
UNICEF Nigeria Representative , Mr Peter Hawkins , in the statement said , “The beginning of a new year – and this year , a new decade – is a chance for us to reflect on our hopes and dreams for the future of Nigeria – especially for those who stand to inherit this country : its children.
“As we start each new year , we are reminded of the potential of every Nigerian child embarking on her or his life ’ s journey - if only they are given that chance to survive and thrive .”
Hawkins also urged world leaders and countries to invest in health workers with the know - how and equipment to save every newborn.
“Each January , UNICEF celebrates babies born on New Year’s Day, an auspicious day for child birth around the world . However, for millions of newborns around the world , including in Nigeria , the day of their birth is far less auspicious , and sadly is often their last .
“In 2018, 2 . 5 million newborns died in just their first month of life around the world ; about a third of them on the first day of life . In Nigeria , this was 318, 522 deaths. Among those children , most died from preventable causes , such as premature birth, complications during delivery, and infections like sepsis . Also , more than 2 .5 million babies are born dead each year – with more than 400, 000 stillborn deaths taking place in Nigeria annually, ” the statement reads in part.