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Wives Of LG Bosses Charge Women On Exclusive Breastfeeding
As the World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), the wives of Obio/Akpor and Andoni local government council chairmen, Mrs Emojevwe Ariolu, and Prof Beatrice Awortu, have asserted that the importance of six months’ exclusive breastfeeding and two years’ complementary feeding to the child, mother and the society cannot be over-emphasised.
During the flag off ceremony at the Obio/Akpor Council Headquarters, Rumuodomaya, Mrs Emojevwe Ariolu urged mothers to become advocates of exclusive breastfeeding, and support mothers to practice optimal breastfeeding for the good of a great nation.
She called for extensive support of the zero-water campaign, and added that while tradition may argue that a child needs water; all the quantity needed was contained in the mother’s breast milk.
The flag off also provided the opportunity for Emojevwe to be decorated as “Breastfeeding Champion of The Year” by the State Coordinator of Maternal and Child (MNCH), Dr. Jaja Emem.
This year’s edition of WBW with the global theme: “Step Up For Breastfeeding, Educate and Support” is an opportunity for all political leaders, policy makers, legislators, women, men, religious leaders, families, communities, workplaces, the private sector, individuals, and indeed, every Nigerian to take responsibility and join hands to raise awareness on the huge benefits of breastfeeding.
Speaking at the event, the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council Chairman, Barrister George Ariolu, reiterated that his administration’s commitment towards supporting exclusive breastfeeding in the area, noting that, “the local government, in partnership with the Rivers State Government Primary Healthcare Management Board, remains committed to support, protect and promote breastfeeding as a veritable means towards eradication of childhood malnutrition in all its forms”.
Ariolu seized the opportunity to recommend, once again, “early initiation of breastfeeding within the first one hour of birth; exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, and continued breastfeeding for up to two years of age or beyond while ensuring the implementing of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes as globally recommended.
“Globally, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding for infants under six months of age is 40perccent. In Africa, nearly 70pecent of countries have high rates of continued breastfeeding at one year, compared to 28.7perccent in Nigeria.”
Other keynote speakers present at the event affirmed the right of every child to be breastfed, and reiterated that it was not just the responsibility of the mother but rather a shared responsibility for all.
Speaking during an awareness campaign on breastfeeding in Ngo Town in commemoration of the 2022 World Breastfeeding Week, the wife of Andoni Council Chairman of Andoni Local Government, Prof Beatrice Awortu, said that exclusive breastfeeding was a panacea to infant mortality.
She said the significance of the event was to create awareness at the rural level on the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding to the survival and development of newborns.
Beatrice asserted that the importance of six months’ exclusive breastfeeding and two years’ complementary feeding to the child, mother and the society cannot be over-emphasised.
She stated that besides building a strong bond between the mother and child, exclusive breastfeeding enhances the Intelligent Quotient (IQ) of the baby, reduces mortality rate as it boosts the immune system of the newborn against life-threatening illnesses such as pneumonia, diarrhoea amongst other infections.
She said it also reduces the weight of the nursing mother and prevents Breast Cancer, among other gains.
“Today is our rally for the World Breastfeeding Week and it is an annual event by the World Health Organisation (WHO). It is a period to highlight the importance of breastfeeding and to encourage women to breastfeed exclusively for the first six months of childbirth with complementary feeding for two years”.
“My message is to encourage Andoni women to breastfeed their babies because of the benefits of breastfeeding, it is important for the baby, the mother and the society, the advantages are enormous”.
Mrs Awortu also called on husbands/fathers to support the global advocacy for exclusive breastfeeding by encouraging their wives to breastfeed for the stipulated period of six months.
“This awareness programme is our own way as a council of supporting this noble course by the WHO. Husbands should support their wives by encouraging them to breastfeed exclusively”.
The Secretary to Andoni council, Hon. Dimiari Franklin; the Leader of the Andoni Legislative Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheila Nte; and some female political appointees took part in the breastfeeding awareness campaign held in Ngo Town at the instance of the wife of the council Chairman, Prof. Beatrice Awortu, who presented wrappers, children cloths, diapers, sanitary pads and toiletries to nursing mothers at the event.
The 2022 World Breastfeeding Week comes on the heels of the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health weekend on Sunday, August 7.
Some health experts, who spoke at the event, said breast milk was rich in nutrients and anti-bodies which are essential for the health and survival of the newborn.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
News
NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam
The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.
News
Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence
The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.
The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.
News
Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027
A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.
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