Nollywood actress Ini Dima-Okojie has announced the birth of her first child, a baby boy, with her husband, Abasi Ene-Obong.
The actress shared the news on Instagram on Wednesday in an emotional birthday message, revealing that she recently welcomed her son and is embracing a new chapter as a mother.
Ini explained that unlike previous birthdays, which often featured glamorous photoshoots and carefully planned themes, she chose to mark this year’s celebration with a photo taken on the day her son was born.
“Every year, my birthday comes with a photoshoot, glam, and a carefully planned concept. This year, none of that felt quite right.
“Instead, I’m sharing a photo from the day my son was born. The day my life changed forever.
“Because as special as every birthday has been, this one feels different. This year, I celebrate as a mother,” she wrote.
The actress described motherhood as the most challenging and rewarding role she has ever experienced.
According to her, the past few weeks have brought a mix of joy, exhaustion and personal growth as she adjusts to life with a newborn.
“There is no role I have ever played that has humbled me, stretched me, challenged me, or filled my heart quite like this one.
“These past weeks have been some of the most beautiful, overwhelming, exhausting, and rewarding of my life,” she said.
Ini also spoke candidly about the realities of caring for a newborn. She described her son as “the cutest boy with the sweetest dimples” and said the experience has given her a deeper appreciation for mothers everywhere.
She admitted that she underestimated the demands of the newborn stage but said the journey has been worth every moment.
“The newborn phase is no joke, and I definitely didn’t fully understand what was waiting for me. But even on the hardest days, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything,” she wrote.
Grateful for the journey
Reflecting on her birthday and new role as a parent, the actress expressed gratitude for the opportunity to raise her son.
“Today, I celebrate another year of life, but even more than that, I celebrate the privilege of being his mum. Happy birthday to me,” she added.
The announcement has been met with congratulatory messages from fans, colleagues and well-wishers across social media, many celebrating the actress as she begins her journey into motherhood.
