The Osun State government has stressed the need for good nutrition, disclosing that one reason for its food and nutrition policy is to boost food security to enhance breastfeeding.
The state commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, stated this while fielding questions at his ministry’s public enlightenment programme for breastfeeding mothers. He said the government is concerned about food security and the nutrients for healthy living.
His words: “The real issue that we are dealing with today is sensitising our women on the issue of adequate breastfeeding. At least the first six months should be breastfeeding alone. We know the message is sinking in.
“Breastfeeding, as we all know, is very key. It’s essential because we need to develop healthy children for a healthy nation. A baby that is well fed tends to have good cognitive brain development, bone development, and everything else that has to do with growing up well.
“The baby is going to be healthy. The mother, as well, is going to be healthy. The father will not have to spend money on breast milk substitutes, thereby saving money that is supposed to be spent on those artificial foods for other older children”.
Regarding six months’ maternity leave for nursing mothers, Alimi said the Osun government will work towards it in collaboration with the Minister of Health, more so that the governor’s wife is at the forefront of advocacy for it.
He noted that no sacrifice should be too much for the care of children who are leaders of tomorrow.
