By Ayomide Otitoju
The wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has urged nursing mothers to adopt exclusive breastfeeding, ensure full immunisation of their children and completely shun female genital mutilation, describing the practices as critical to child survival and healthy development.
Dr. Oyebanji made the call at the Basic Health Centre in Asin-Ekiti, 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 cautioned against actions that run contrary to established medical guidelines on child care and exclusive breastfeeding, stressing that such standards are designed to protect 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 clothing, plastic buckets and cash. Similar gifts were also extended to another baby delivered at the same health centre.
Dr. Oyebanji emphasised that strict adherence to medical prescriptions and child healthcare guidelines is essential for the rapid growth and overall wellbeing of children. She urged parents and caregivers to always seek and comply with professional medical advice.
She also advised parents to instil proper values and discipline in their children, noting that this would contribute to building 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 appreciation to the governor’s wife for the 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 other political office holders and senior government officials, attended the events.
