As part of activities marking the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week, the First Lady of Oyo State, Engr. Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, has called on mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months of life and urged families, employers, and communities to create sustainable support systems for breastfeeding mothers.
Speaking on behalf of the First Lady at the commemorative event held at the Egbeda Local Government Secretariat in Ibadan, the Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, delivered a heartfelt address stressing the importance of breastfeeding, in line with this year’s global theme: “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create a Sustainable Support System.”
“Too many mothers are forced to stop breastfeeding early due to lack of support at home and at work,” she said.
“And that is why we all must 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, rich in antibodies that protect against childhood 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,” she added.
The First Lady, through her representative, applauded the Oyo State Government for enacting the six-month maternity leave policy with full pay, describing it as a major step toward enabling 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,” she said. “We urge private companies to adopt this as well.”
She also emphasized the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in the breastfeeding journey.
“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.”
Earlier in his welcome address, 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,” he stated.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Egbeda Local Government chairman, Hon. Sikiru Sanda appreciated the First Lady for supporting grassroots women with both knowledge and tangible items.
“These donations and the enlightening health talks will go a long way in encouraging our mothers to stay committed to exclusive breastfeeding,” he remarked.
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. Mrs. Moses Abosede said,
“Many of us were not aware of how powerful breastfeeding is until today. Now we are better informed.”
Another mother, Mrs. Kehinde Ajibola, added, “This support reminds us that we are not alone. It motivates us to keep going.”
World Breastfeeding Week, celebrated annually from August 1 to 7, aims to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and encourage protective policies.
