In Kano State, a group of passionate young advocates is taking the message of exclusive breastfeeding directly to the people, marking this year’s World Breastfeeding Week with a spirited awareness drive.
The initiative, led by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) U-Reporters, focuses on one clear message: For the first six months of life, a baby needs nothing but breast milk.
At the forefront of the campaign, U-Reporter official Kabir Abubakar Usman painted a vivid picture of the benefits.
“Exclusive breastfeeding increases the chemistry of love between mother and child,” he told participants. “It also improves the child’s health physically and mentally. “
Read Also: UNICEF commends Nigerians as over 90% of mothers practise breastfeeding
“Breastfeeding is the foundation of lifelong health and well-being. It is a simple, cost-effective, and natural way to provide infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. “
He cautioned against giving infants water, especially from plastic bottles or early solid foods, warning that such practices could invite dangerous infections.
Without exclusive breastfeeding, he said, infants face higher risks of diarrhoea, respiratory problems, ear infections, sudden infant death syndrome, and even reduced cognitive development in later years.
Usman also appealed to fathers, urging them to be active supporters of breastfeeding mothers.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding up to two years or beyond, offers the best start in life.
Usman reinforced this, describing breastfeeding as a “simple, cost-effective, and natural” way to secure a child’s health and future potential.
The campaign isn’t just about health—it’s also about empowerment. Through the U-Report platform, young Nigerians are sharing their voices, influencing community practices, and helping shape policies that protect children’s well-being.
As the celebrations continue, the message remains consistent: exclusive breastfeeding is more than a feeding choice—it is an investment in a child’s lifelong health and success.
