The Oyo State Government, on Saturday, welcomed three babies who were born, in the state, on Christmas day with gifts.
The babies, who were received at three different state-owned hospitals, were presented with gifts amidst dancing and jubilation, in the company of family members, friends, government officials and hospital officials.
The newborns, who are all girls, were delivered at the General Hospital, Apata; Jericho Nursing Home, Jericho and Adeoyo State Hospital, Ring Road, Ibadan.
While the first Christmas baby, who weighed 3kg, was delivered around 4:15AM, the second baby, who weighed, 2.8kg was delivered at about 6:30AM and the third baby, who weighed 3.2kg arrived at about 8:10AM.
Presenting the gifts to the parents of the babies, the wife of the Oyo State Governor, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde, said the gesture was borne out of the need to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, as well as in celebration of her husband’s birthday, as Governor Seyi Makinde also celebrates his birthday on December 25.
Mrs Makinde said: “As we all know, Governor Seyi Makinde is always concerned about how to put smiles on the faces of people, especially residents of the state and this effort is in line with that. Aside from our three Christmas babies that were given gifts, other people who are also receiving medical attention in our hospitals also got gifts in the spirit of the season, to support their treatment.”
The wife of the governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Kafilat Olayiwola, called on parents not to allow prevalent situations in the country inhibit them from properly bringing up the children.
She noted that many anomalies in the society would be better addressed if parents give proper upbringing to children.
“My plea to women and nursing mothers is that we all should take good care of our children and pray more for them while also ensuring that they don’t lack proper parental care and upbringing. This is the only way we can have a better and safer society and country, if the children are well brought up at the family level,” Mrs Makinde concluded.
The donation was also extended to the Children Ward at the Adeoyo Maternity Hospital, Yemetu, Ibadan, where food items, toys and pasta, among other items were presented.
Nnenna.O
