The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) praised Nigerian women for more than 90 percent exclusive breastfeeding of their babies.
Nemat Hajeebhoy, UNICEF’s Chief of Nutrition in Abuja, said this during the launch of Breastfeeding Week in Ambursa, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
She was happy about Nigerian mothers doing very well in exclusively breastfeeding their babies. She said the event was held to encourage more mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding.
Hajeebhoy said, “We are here with one goal: to put mothers and babies first and build strong support for every mother and child in Nigeria.”
She added, “Breastfeeding is not just food; it is the newborn’s first vaccine and first way to survive. The right to breastfeed is part of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Nigeria has agreed to.”
She shared good news, saying, “Thank you, mothers, for breastfeeding. Over 90 percent of Nigerian mothers breastfeed. Congratulations to you!”
However, she expressed concern about some recent surveys showing fewer mothers are breastfeeding exclusively.
She said it is important for everyone involved to work together and support mothers in their breastfeeding duties.
Hajeebhoy praised Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris for approving six months maternity leave for mothers. She said breastfeeding is not only good but also protects the health and future of children.
Earlier, UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Sokoto, Michael Juma, said all groups should promote early breastfeeding. He asked all mothers to focus on breastfeeding during the first two years.
He also urged government leaders and policymakers to pay more attention to breastfeeding issues.
The wife of Kebbi Governor, Hajiya Nafisa Nasir-Idris, asked women to breastfeed their children only with breast milk to help build a healthier society.
She explained that exclusive breastfeeding helps children become smarter and more active.
She also encouraged women to keep themselves and their environment clean to stop diseases.
The governor’s wife praised her husband for focusing on health and supporting her projects.
The Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Yunusa Musa Isma’il, thanked partners who help with health programs in the state.
He promised that the government will work with partners and provide funds to fight malnutrition and diseases in Kebbi.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Halima Hassan-Kamba, thanked Kebbi women for choosing to breastfeed exclusively.
She said, “Breastfeeding gives children health and wisdom, strengthens the bond between mother and child, lowers cancer risk, helps with family planning, and makes mothers feel happy.”
