National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Olatunde Oluwasola
Nursing mothers have been enjoined to embrace exclusive breast feeding for the first six months after child birth.
The wife of the Oyo State governor, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde said this in a statement on Monday.
According to her, exclusive breastfeeding is important for the optimal growth and well-being of infants.
Mrs Makinde who spoke in commemoration of the World breastfeeding week announced her collaboration with the Nigerian Governors’ Wives Forum to raise awareness about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.
In a statement from her office, Mrs. Makinde emphasized the significance of a minimum of six months of exclusive breastfeeding, highlighting that breast milk provides the best nutrition for babies due to its ideal nutrient composition, easy digestibility, and ready availability.
Mrs. Makinde also commended the Oyo State government’s decision to grant six months of paid maternity leave to nursing mothers and urged private organizations and employers to follow suit to ensure the welfare of infants.
She pointed out that keeping close proximity to babies during their initial six months reduces the challenges associated with this crucial period.
In a bid to support working nursing mothers, the Oyo State Government has established a crèche at the Oyo State Secretariat Complex and other government offices, both within and outside the State Secretariat.
Mrs. Makinde encouraged private employers to adopt similar measures, enabling female staff to care for their babies conveniently while at work.
During the World Breastfeeding Week, Mrs. Makinde also highlighted the importance of home and school gardening, part of the ‘Operation Feed Yourself’ initiative of the Federal Government, as a means to combat food shortage in the country.
She called upon all Nigerians to embrace gardening as a tool for ensuring food security.
