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 aided by the state government through the office of the Ministry of women affairs and social development.
The Honorable commissioner for women Affairs and Social development Mrs Olapeju Babafemi while appreciating the government of Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for the prompt approval of the project from the Ministry of women affairs said the programme has been ad judged as the most unique across the country.
She declares that the multiple birth support programme is backed by the law and will be sustained in the state with the support of the state Governor who has continued to prioritize the welfare of women, children, Elderly and widows in the state.
” We are here today to give cash gifts, food, which i call Ounje ibeji. See this gesture as 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 condemns the genital mutilation of the female child which is said is barbaric and should be discouraged.
The wife of the Governor Professor Olayemi Oyebanji who was visibly excited said the government of Abiodun Oyebanji made the initiative possible since the act was established since 2011.
“Twins, Triplets or sextuplets or more are not burdens rather they should be seen as blessings from God. I am as excited as you al, we are all excited today and so i encourage our mothers to desist from giving our children what will be injurious to their health.
” Our children don’t need
coke and other carbonated drinks that can cause them health issues but food that will be beneficial to their body”
Professor Oyebanji while soliciting for the support of the women concluded that the government will continue to rise up to the yearnings and aspirations of the citizens of the state.
She also tasked the local governments to replicate the initiative at the local government level.
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 continues to intensify efforts to banish poverty in the state.
She extends the goodwill to the multiple mothers to continue to take care of their children with whatever is given to them.
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 is a testimony to the fact that the Governor is ready to put smiles on the faces of Ekiti women.
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 who graced the occasion are Mrs Omotayo Olatinwo the Permanent Secretary Ministry of women affairs and social development, the wife of the speaker of Ekiti state House of Assembly Mrs Aribasoye and Chief Mrs Olaleye kemisola.
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