By Idowu Adebomi, Ado-Ekiti
The Wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has called on nursing mothers to embrace exclusive breastfeeding, ensure full immunisation of their children and completely shun female genital mutilation, describing the practices as vital to child survival and healthy development.
Dr. Oyebanji made the call at the Basic Health Centre, Asin-Ekiti, in Ikole West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), during the presentation of gift items to the first baby of the year delivered at the facility.
She warned that any action contrary to established medical guidelines on child care and exclusive breastfeeding would not be tolerated, stressing that such guidelines are put in place to safeguard the lives, growth and future of children.
The First Lady presented gift items to the newborn baby girl, including bags of rice, packs of salt, garri, toiletries, diapers, baby clothes, plastic buckets and cash gifts. Similar items were also given to another baby delivered at the same health facility.
According to Dr. Oyebanji, strict adherence to medical prescriptions and child healthcare guidelines is essential for rapid growth and overall wellbeing of children. She urged parents and caregivers to always seek and follow professional medical advice.
She further advised parents to instil proper values and discipline in their children, noting that this would help build a responsible, productive and impactful society.
Earlier, the Matron of the health facility, Mrs. Janet Fele, disclosed that the baby girl was delivered at about five minutes past midnight and weighed 2.5 kilogrammes at birth.
The baby’s mother, Mrs. Esther Olarenwaju, expressed gratitude to the Governor’s wife for the kind gesture and support.
Meanwhile, as part of her festive humanitarian outreach, Dr. Oyebanji also visited the Ekiti State Government Children Correctional Centre in Ado-Ekiti, the Transit Home for Victims of Gender-Based Violence, and the Erelu Adebayo Children’s Home in Iyin-Ekiti, where she donated food items and cash gifts.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, alongside political office holders and top government officials, were present at the events.
