Tag: Oyo First Lady

Wife of Oyo Governor, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde has charged nursing mothers across the state on exclusively breastfeeding of their babies for the first six months of their life.

She urged families, employers, communities and other stakeholders to create enabling environment so as to encouraged breastfeeding mothers.

Speaking in Ibadan at a programme to commemorate this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, Mrs Makinde, who was represented by the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, emphasised the importance of breastfeeding, in line with this year’s global theme: “Prioritise Breastfeeding: create a sustainable support system.”

She said: “Many mothers were forced to stop breastfeeding early due to lack of support from home and at work, that is why we must all work together to create an enabling environment for women to breastfeed their babies without shame.”

She described breast milk as the baby’s first vaccine, which according to her is rich in antibodies that protect against children illnesses. 

“Breastfeeding promotes emotional bonding between mother and child, and also helps mothers by reducing the risk of ovarian and breast cancers, and excessive bleeding after childbirth.”

Makinde commended the state government for enacting six-month maternity leave policy, describing it as a major step toward encouraging exclusive breastfeeding.

“I want to commend the Oyo State government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for passing into law the six-month maternity leave. This policy gives babies the healthy, nutritious start they deserve. We urge private companies to adopt this as well.”

She also emphasized the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in the breastfeeding journey. 

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“Fathers must support mothers by helping at home. Employers must accommodate female workers with dedicated lactation spaces and implement maternity policies. Together, we can build a society where every mother feels comfortable and empowered to breastfeed, anywhere, anytime.”

Executive Secretary, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, described the event as one that brings global health priorities to the grassroots. 

“Breastfeeding is more than a maternal issue it’s a public health and community development concern. And it starts with awareness like this.”

Also, Egbeda Local Government chairman, Hon. Sikiru Sanda thanked the Mrs Makinde for supporting grassroots women with both knowledge and food items. 

“These donations and the enlightening health talks will go a long way in encouraging our mothers to stay committed to exclusive breastfeeding.”

During the event, nursing mothers were gifted food items, baby care kits, other materials to support their breastfeeding journey.

Some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the state government’s gesture.

World Breastfeeding Week, celebrated annually from August 1 to 7, aims to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and encourage protective policies.

Wife of the Oyo State Governor, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, has called on teachers across the state to support and promote menstrual hygiene among schoolgirls.

Speaking in Ibadan at an event marking this year’s World Menstrual Hygiene Day, Mrs. Makinde emphasized the need for teachers to ensure that girls have the knowledge and resources to manage their periods with confidence and dignity.

She encouraged educators to prioritise the well-being of their students, especially during menstruation, and to actively teach and support menstrual hygiene practices in schools.

The event, which also celebrated her six years in office as First Lady of Oyo State, was attended by the Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni; the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi; and Ibadan North lawmaker, Mrs. Olufunke Comforter, among others.

Mrs. Makinde urged teachers to educate their colleagues and empower girls with proper menstrual knowledge, while advising students to apply what they had learned to ensure healthy menstrual practices.

She also expressed gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for supporting the initiative and approving the program’s implementation.

Read Also: Oyo First Lady charges women to lift others, inspire positive change

In his remark, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Segun Olayiwola, said the theme for Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025, “Period Friendly World,” was to make menstruation a normal part of life by 2030 and have a movement of period period-friendly world where taboos and stigmas surrounding menstruation are history.

According to him, the theme aligned with several sustainable development goals (SDGs), including SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 6 (Clean water and sanitation), and SDG 4 (Quality Education), adding that it is not just a goal, but a call to action.

He said, “Raise your voice against any stigmatization around you, support each other, and create a world where no girl is left behind because of her period.

“Together, we can make menstruation a normal part of life by 2030, and the journey has started long before now. We can join Just Cause today.”

He thanked Governor Makinde for giving an enabling environment towards achieving all-around education that is gender responsive, commending the governor’s wife for pushing the girls through the challenges, the stress, and expenses of navigating through their monthly flow.

“The commemoration of this day is a way of reminding all of us that periods are nothing to be ashamed of, rather a call for celebration to which this gathering is committed.”

Wife of Oyo State governor, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde has charged women, particularly those in position of authority to always lift others and inspire themselves for positive change.

She said women in leadership position and influence must inspire and change others for the benefit of the society and the state at large.

Speaking in Ibadan at the 2025 Annual Women of Influence Revival Network tagged: “The Builders Summit” Theme: “Equipping Leaders and Builders for Impact and National Transformation”, Mrs Makinde lamented how people, particularly women struggle in life.

The governor’s wife called all women of influence to lower their heart and reach out to those in need and help them to be better persons in life.

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She urged women of influence in the state to ensure they leave good legacy behind, noting that true leadership is measured by the life touched.

She however called on women of influence to use the opportunity of the retreat to learn and inform on how to lift others to be useful for themselves and the state.

At the event, Mrs Makinde was accompanied by Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun, Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaja Faosat Sanni and wife of local government chairmen among others.