The Oyo State Government has indicated its readiness to resuscitate the moribund Breastfeeding Centre, to encourage breastfeeding and nutritional uptake of children.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Hon (Mrs.) Toyin Balogun stated this, during her tour of all government facilities within and outside the metropolis, under the supervision of her Ministry.
The tour commenced with a visitation to the Breastfeeding Centre and the State Family Court.
The Commissioner said it is a scientifically proven fact that children who are breastfed in the early stages of life develop better mental acuity.
She added that the immune system of breastfed children are better developed to cope with health challenges which manifest early on or even later on in the life span of the individual.
Mrs. Balogun thetefore stated that the Breastfeeding Centre, would be renovated and upscaled to improve on its internal and external ambience with the support of developmental partners.
The Commissioner stated that part of the mandate of the centre would be to create awareness on the best possible weaning practices to ensure that children are eased onto solid adult fare in line with international best practices
Hon. Balogun however expressed bewilderement at the deplorable state of the facility which as is presently constitutes both a health and safety hazard.
The Commssioner stressed that as much as resources allow, the Government is committed to resuscitation of as many moribund outreaches/assets of the Ministry as possible.
She stressed further that the driving motivation of the Governor Seyi Makinde led administration is to improve on the quality of life of all citizens of the state inclusive of women, youth and children who are the future of our tomorrow and the society at large.
Corroborating the concerns expressed by the Honorable Commissioner, the Matron of the Breastfeeding Center, Mrs. Esther Oladejo, said there is need for prompt intervention in order to make the Centre habitable for the expected influx of children in view of the next academic session.
Hon. Toyin Balogun added that the center is strategically situated to cater for the children of both civil servants and non civil servant clientele.
She was of the belief that renovating and improving the ambience of the centre will encourage all those parents who have taken their wards to creches located far away, thus impacting negatively on time spent away from their desks and duties at the secretariat (for civil servants who are nursing mothers) to return.
The Commissioner’s entourage included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry;Mrs. Dolapo Popoola, some directors and staff of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion .
