Wife of the Osun State Governor, Mrs Kafayat Oyetola, on Saturday welcomed the first baby of the year at the state Specialist Hospital in Osogbo.
She charged the parents to nurture their newborns in a healthy way and make them grow and benefit from health and education opportunities
Fourteen new babies comprising 3 males and 11 females were delivered on the eve of the new year.
The first baby, a female was born at at the midnight weighed 2.8kg while the second, also a female was born at 2 am in the new year with 2.3 kg.
Mrs Oyetola, while welcoming the babies encouraged their mother on exclusive breastfeeding of the newborns for at least six months to make them healthier and strong.
The first lady, who toured the maternity Ward in the company of health officials and wives of top government functionaries presented various gifts which include cash, and a bag of rice to each parent of the new babies.
Addressing journalists, Mrs Oyetola implored parents to eschew any act capable of infringing on the right of girl child and also urged them to monitor their wards to prevent them from indulging in illicit drug or cultism and other social vices.
She advised parents to duly register their newborn at any of the newly revitalised public health centres in the state to enable government monitor their progress for opportunities in health, education and other initiatives of government.
She charged parents and all to take personal responsibility for themselves and the children by observing safety protocols against COVID-19.
Meanwhile, the state government had earlier ushered in the new year with fireworks at the government house in Osogbo.
The celebration was supervised by the State commissioner for Special Duties and Regional Integration, Engr. Olalekan Badmus.
The senate spokesperson, who is the senator representing Osun Central Senatorial District, Dr. Ajibola Bashiru was one of the callers at the even.
The celebration was replicated in five other major towns cross the state.
