By Kemi Oyeleye,

The First Lady and Wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun has advised new nursing mothers to exclusively breast feed their babies for a healthy mental and physical growth.

Mrs. Abiodun gave the advice while welcoming the first babies of the year at the General Hospital, Ijebu Ode where six babies were delivered at the early hours of the first day of the year.

Mrs. Abiodun said breast milk contained required nutrients needed by the babies for total growth and development that would help to prevent illnesses and mortality among them affirming government readiness to improve on mother and child health in the state.

Mrs. Abiodun gifted the first baby, a girl, baby Lawal who was delivered at 12.01am, weighing 4.6kg cash and baby items.

The other five babies, baby girl Adeleke, weighing 3.4kg, baby girl Oliwo, 3.4kg, baby girl Mustapha, 3kg, baby boy Adesina, 3kg and baby boy Olatunde, 2.5kg were also gifted cash and baby items by the First Lady.

Mrs. Abiodun also visited the General Hospital, Ijaye Abeokuta to bless the seven babies delivered. Baby girl Rasheed born at 12.00am, weighing 2.7kg, twin baby girls Akusa born at 12.25, weighing 2.5kg and 2kg, baby girl Jayeola at 12.28am weighing 3.4kg, baby boy Badmus, 3.7kg, baby girl Soyinka, 3.3kg and baby girl Michael, 2.8kg.

Congratulating the new mothers on their safe deliveries, the First Lady noted that it was significant that babies are born on the first day of the year to usher goodness in to the new year.

She extended her kind gesture to other babies and pregnant women in the maternity ward of the hospitals explaining that babies are special gifts from God and should be cherished and blessed.

She appreciated the the doctors, nurses and the entire medical teams of the hospitals for their commitment and dedication.

The mothers on behalf of their babies thanked Her Excellency for her kind heart and blessings showered on them.