By Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti
The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in conjunction with the Office of the Ekiti State First Lady has put smiles on the faces of hundreds of multiple birth mothers in the state.
The event which was held at the Adunni Olayinka Memorial Complex in Ado Ekiti witnessed the turnout of multiple birth parents to benefit from the support by the state government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and Office of the First Lady.
The Wife of the Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji expressed delight at the programme aimed at supporting families. She remarked that “twins, triplets and other multiple Births are huge blessings from God and they should be well loved and nurtured.” She urged the parents to ensure the children are fed healthily for their balanced growth. Dr. Oyebanji advised that parents should avoid giving their babies food and drinks that are injurious to their health.She affirmed that the administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji would continue to prioritize the wellbeing of families, particularly women and children. The wife of the Governor urged the Local Government Councils to replicate the Multiple Birth Support Programme in their Areas.
The Honorable commissioner for women Affairs and Social development Mrs Olapeju Babafemi while appreciating the government of Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for the approval of the programme noted its uniqueness in the Federation.
She said the multiple birth support programme was backed by the law and would be sustained in the state with the goodwill of the state Governor who prioritized the welfare and wellbeing of the people.
” We are here today to give cash gifts, food, which i call Ounje ibeji. See this gesture as an inspiration to take care of the children”
“It is our responsibility to join the government in raising godly children and help the government in ensuring our children grow up as good ambassadors of the nation.
Mrs Babafemi also condemned genital mutilation of the female child, which she described as unnecessary and harmful.
The Deputy Governor Chief Mrs Monisade Afuye thanked God for the life of Mr. Governor and the support of Ekiti people for maintaining the peace in the state while assuring that the Government will continue to support women and children.
She also challenged the fathers not to squander the gifts given to the children rather they should join hands to take care of the children as the government continued to intensify efforts in implementing its shared prosperity agenda.
She extended the goodwill to the multiple mothers to continue to take care of their children with their utmost best.
In her own words, the deputy speaker of Ekiti state House of Assembly Rt. Hon Bolaji Olagbaju said the approval of the multiple birth project by the governor reflected his love for families.
The wife of the state governor ability assisted by Mrs Peju Babafemi and other stakeholders were later handed the cash gift of 100,000 naira and foodstuffs.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Akeroye Felicia thanked the Ministry of Women Affairs led by Mrs Babafemi, the wife of Ekiti State Governor, Deputy Governor and other stakeholders who were present.
She prayed that as mothers of multiple births the Government will continue to enjoy the favour of God and the support of Ekiti women.
Dignitaries at the occasion included Mrs Omotayo Olatinlu , Permanent Secretary Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development , the wife of the speaker of Ekiti state House of Assembly Mrs Adenike Aribasoye and Special Adviser, Gender Empowerment, Chief Mrs Kemi Olaleye
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