The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commended Nigerians for practising breastfeeding, as data shows that over 90% of mothers breastfeed their children.
The Chief of Nutrition at UNICEF Abuja, Nemat Hajeebhoy, revealed this on Friday during the commissioning of Breastfeeding Week at Ambursa, in Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The event aimed to promote exclusive breastfeeding as a key step for child health and development says News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report.
Speaking at the gathering, the organiser said the mission was to prioritise mothers and children by building sustainable support systems.
“Breastfeeding is not just food; it’s a newborn’s first vaccine and the first means of survival,” she said, noting that it is a right protected under the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
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She praised Nigerian mothers, with over 90% breastfeeding, but warned of a decline in exclusive breastfeeding and called for joint action.
She commended Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris for approving six months of maternity leave, describing it as crucial for promoting breastfeeding.
The governor’s wife, Nafisa Nasir-Idris, urged women to adopt exclusive breastfeeding, citing its benefits for intellect, agility, and disease prevention, and lauded her husband’s health initiatives.
Health Commissioner Yusa Isma’il thanked development partners and pledged government support to fight malnutrition, while Women Affairs Commissioner Halima Hassan-Kamba highlighted breastfeeding’s role in child intelligence, cancer prevention, family planning, and emotional fulfilment.
UNICEF’s Michael Juma stressed early breastfeeding and urged policymakers to give it priority.
As part of the event, 20 mothers practising exclusive breastfeeding received rice, children’s clothing, and N10,000 each.
Also, pregnant women and others who participated at the meeting received rice to encourage the practice.
