Chairperson of Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mrs. Vivian Odunayo, led the health team on visits to Primary Health Centres across the LCDA to sensitize mothers and expectant mothers, as well as distribute relief packages in commemoration of the 2026 Family Week.
The Family Week is a yearly tradition that entails a nationwide week-long orientation and sensitization programme on the nutrition and health of mothers, newborns, children and adolescents. Among the Primary Health Centres visited were Baruwa PHC, Airways PHC, Ejire PHC and Anjorin PHC. Expectant and nursing mothers were sensitized on the benefits of healthy nutrition for babies, proper prenatal care, the importance of antenatal services, immunization, family planning and general family welfare.
During her address, Mrs. Vivian Odunayo engaged mothers on the need for proper hygiene during pregnancy and while nursing babies. She also emphasized the importance of regular routine health checks and immunization for babies to boost their immunity against infections and diseases. She urged mothers to avoid self-medication for their children but instead visit the nearest health centre to access professional healthcare services and prevent avoidable fatalities.
The chairperson made it known that the Executive Chairman, Hon. Oluwafemi Odunayo Daniel sent his regards to the mothers and re-affirmed the Chairman’s dedication to improving health care including mothers and children.
Babies were screened for malnutrition, after which baby food, diapers, beverages, mosquito nets and health kits were distributed to mothers.
Speaking at the event, the Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Oladipupo Mukaila, highlighted the importance of Family Week and stressed the need for healthy feeding and proper nutrition for babies from birth through infancy, as well as for children and adolescents. In the same vein, the Supervisor for Health, Itire-Ikate LCDA, Hon. Babatunde Lasisi, admonished mothers and expectant mothers to prioritize their health and the welfare of their babies. He also reiterated the commitment of the Hon. Oluwafemi Odunayo-led administration of Itire-Ikate to promoting maternal and newborn health, as well as the overall wellbeing of families.
As part of the activities marking the week, the Chairperson of the Legislative Arm, the Leader of the House, Hon. Andrew Agbeyangi, alongside other management members, visited Femi Gbajabiamila Secondary School to engage female students on menstrual hygiene. The chairperson urged the students to maintain proper hygiene during and after their menstrual periods, noting the positive impact of good hygiene on their confidence and overall wellbeing. They were also encouraged to avoid negative distractions and abstain from sexual activity. Sanitary pads were distributed to the students at the end of the sensitization.
She mentioned the strives of the Executive Chairman towards education and students welfare, noting that they are the future of Itire-Ikate and Nigeria.