Wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, has called on stakeholders across the state to join hands in creating a society where breastfeeding new babies is a norm.
She said all hands must be on deck to ensure provision of a place, both public and work place, where nursing mothers would feel safe to breastfeed their babies.
Mrs Makinde said in doing this, ‘’we are building a healthier future for our babies.’’
Speaking yesterday in Ibadan at the World Breast Feeding Week, organised by Office of the Wife of Oyo State Governor, in collaboration with Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board, Mrs. Makinde said breastfeeding was the first step towards giving children best possible start in life.
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She said breast milk is a natural vaccine that provides infant necessary antibody to fight diseases, and also gives essential nutrients to babies to strengthen their immune system.
She said constant breastfeeding would also foster bond between mothers and children, thereby laying foundation of life time of love and care.
She commended Governor Makinde for approving six-month pay maternity leave for women, which, according to her, would enable nursing mothers to focus on breastfeeding their babies.
The governor’s wife advised private employers to do likewise.
She thanked the state government for providing rice, diaper bags, baby wipes and cash gift for over 900 nursing mothers in attendance.
Dignitaries at the event included the Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetumobi, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Toyin Balogun and Executive Secretary, Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. Muyideen Olatunji, among others.