Oyo First Lady Celebrates Christmas with Newborns, Urges Godly Parenting

In the spirit of the festive season, the First Lady of Oyo State, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, brought joy to healthcare facilities in Oyo town on Christmas Day by visiting newborn babies and their mothers. The compassionate gesture, which has become a tradition for the First Lady, involved the distribution of gift items, hampers, and cash to families who welcomed new additions on this significant day. The visits covered major health institutions including the State Hospital, Owode, and the Oba Adeyemi Primary Healthcare Centre, Durbar, ensuring that families in different parts of the town felt the warmth of the state's administration.

The First Lady was accompanied by a high-profile entourage of state officials, including the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi; the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Miss Wasilat Adegoke; and the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Musibau Babatunde. Also present were the chairpersons of Oyo East, Oyo West, Afijio, and Atiba Local Government Areas, alongside religious leaders such as Pastor (Mrs.) Victoria Wale-Oke. This collective presence underscored the government's commitment to maternal and child welfare, even during public holidays.

During the visit, special recognition was given to the first three babies born on Christmas Day. The first baby, a girl, was delivered at 12:40 a.m. at the State Hospital, Owode. The second baby, a boy, arrived at 4:17 a.m. at the Oba Adeyemi Primary Healthcare Centre, Durbar, while the third, another girl, was born at 6:22 a.m. back at the State Hospital, Owode. Mrs. Makinde personally presented gifts to these infants and extended her benevolence to other newborns in the wards, ensuring that every mother present had a reason to smile.

Speaking to the mothers, Mrs. Makinde emphasized the critical role of parenting in shaping the future of society. She charged the parents to take proper care of their children, ensuring they are directed in the way of the Lord. "It is important for parents to take care of their children properly and direct them to the way of God, not only the new ones but also the older ones," she stated. Her message highlighted that the foundation of a moral society begins in the home, urging parents to be vigilant and intentional in their upbringing methods.

The First Lady also used the occasion to advocate for hygiene and community spirit. She advised residents to maintain good hygiene practices to prevent diseases and to embrace the spirit of sharing that defines Christmas by showing love to their neighbors. She noted a special coincidence, pointing out that the Christmas babies share a birthday with her husband, Governor Seyi Makinde, adding a personal layer of celebration to the event. The mothers expressed their profound gratitude for the First Lady's visit, noting that the gifts would significantly alleviate the financial burden of caring for a newborn.