The wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has urged nursing mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding, complete routine immunization, and shun female genital mutilation, describing the measures as critical to child survival and healthy development.
Dr. Oyebanji gave the advice on Thursday while addressing mothers at the Basic Health Centre, Asin-Ekiti, in Ikole West Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
She spoke during the presentation of gifts to the first baby of 2026 delivered at the facility—a baby girl born shortly after midnight. She warned that failure to adhere to medical guidelines on breastfeeding and childcare could endanger children’s lives, stressing that such standards are essential to safeguarding their future well-being.
The governor’s wife presented items including rice, garri, salt, toiletries, diapers, baby clothes, plastic buckets, and cash to the newborn and another baby delivered at the centre.
She emphasised the importance of strict adherence to medical prescriptions for proper growth and development, urging parents and caregivers to always seek and follow professional medical advice.
Dr. Oyebanji also advised parents to raise children with good values and discipline, noting that this would help build a responsible and productive society.
Earlier, the facility’s matron, Mrs. Janet Fele, said the baby was delivered at 12:05 a.m. and weighed 2.5 kilogrammes at birth.
The baby’s mother, Mrs. Esther Olarenwaju, expressed gratitude to the governor’s wife for the gesture, describing the support as timely and encouraging.
As part of her outreach activities, Dr. Oyebanji also visited children’s and correctional centres in Ado-Ekiti and Iyin-Ekiti, where she donated food items and cash.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, alongside political office holders and senior government officials, accompanied the governor’s wife during the visits.
