Her Excellency, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde, has called for the enhancement of nursing mothers’ rights and the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding in the state, emphasizing its numerous benefits for mothers and babies.
She said this, on Thursday at an event organized by her office to commemorate the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.
“We must create a society where nursing mothers are supported and empowered to breastfeed their babies without fear of stigma or discrimination,” Mrs. Makinde said.
She stressed that breastfeeding reduces the risk of infant mortality, promotes bonding between mothers and their children, and enhances the cognitive development of babies.
“Breast milk is the best gift we can give our children, and we must do everything possible to promote and support breastfeeding,” she added.Mrs. Makinde also advocated for the creation of a conducive environment for nursing mothers to breastfeed their babies, including the establishment of crèches and breastfeeding rooms in public places.“We need to make our public spaces friendly to nursing mothers, so they can feel comfortable and confident breastfeeding their babies,” she said.
Also speaking, Dr Khadeejah Alarape, Director of Nutrition, Oyo Primary Health Care Board enlightened the nursing mothers on the need to eat good food.She assured that the state government would continue to support initiatives that promote breastfeeding and improve maternal and child health.
The event featured breastfeeding awareness walk with participants including healthcare professionals, nursing mothers, and stakeholders in the health sector.Nursing Mothers present were given food stuffs and cash courtesy of the Wife of the Governor.