The Wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, on Monday hosted the official flag-off ceremony of the year 2025 Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) and Breastfeeding Week at her Office, in Ado-Ekiti.
The event brought together development partners, government officials, health workers, and mothers from across the state in a united effort to promote child nutrition and improve maternal health practices.
Dr. Oyebanji expressed and acknowledged the unwavering support of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, whose administration, she said, continues to make impactful contributions toward strengthening the healthcare system in Ekiti State.
She commended the collaborative efforts of UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) for their consistent support in advancing maternal and child health initiatives.
The First Lady emphasized the critical importance of optimal breastfeeding, urging all mothers to embrace proper breastfeeding practices to ensure healthy growth and stronger immunity for their children.
She highlighted the wide-ranging benefits of breastfeeding from improved brain development to enhanced protection against malnutrition, vitamin A deficiency, and childhood illnesses.
Dr. Oyebanji also encouraged mothers to maintain healthy diets to support effective breastfeeding, stressing that “a well-nourished mother raises a well-nourished child.” She noted that part of the week’s interventions will include the distribution of insecticide-treated nets to mothers to prevent malaria, one of the leading causes of infant and maternal health complications.
She further applauded health workers across the state for their dedication to sustaining healthier communities and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to support maternal and child health programs at all levels.
In their goodwill messages, the Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, the representative of WHO, NPHCDA, the Special Adviser on Women Affairs and the Board Chairman of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA) all emphasized the importance of breastfeeding to the mothers and the new born.
The 2025 MNCH and Breastfeeding Week is expected to feature outreach programs, nutritional counseling, breastfeeding education, and health interventions aimed at strengthening child survival and promoting healthier families across Ekiti State.
