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World breastfeeding week: 1,000 Nasarawa women breastfeed babies simultaneously
No fewer than 1,000 lactating women yesterday, breastfed their babies simultaneously in Lafia as part of the World Breastfeeding Record Initiative and commemoration of the flag off of 2024 World Breastfeeding week in Nasarawa State.
Speaking at the event, Gerida Birukila, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Kaduna, said that the attempt at the world record for the highest number of lactating women breastfeeding simultaneously in Nigeria, was geared towards making history and sending a powerful message to the world about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding.
Birukila said that breastfeeding was 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.
“However, despite its proven benefits, exclusive breastfeeding rates remain low at 42% according to the the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICs 2021) done by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS),” she said .
She noted that many mothers faced cultural, social, and practical barriers that prevented them from breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of their child’s life.
“Today’s event aims to break down those barriers. By coming together, we are challenging harmful norms and practices, such as the introduction of water and other pre-lacteal feeds in the first six months.
“We are here to dismantle the stigma surrounding breastfeeding and to empower mothers with the knowledge and support they need to make the best choices for their children’s health including the approval of 6 months of paid extended Maternity leave,” She said.
Birukila commended all the participating mothers in Nasarawa State and across the locations in the 36 states of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and IDP camps.
“I salute your courage and dedication. Your participation is a testament to your commitment to your children’s health and the health of future generations. You are the true champions of this initiative, and your collective action will inspire many more to follow in your footsteps,” she added.
She stressed the need for the sustenance of the awareness creation on the need for exclusive breastfeeding beyond the weeklong event in order to have a lasting impact on health and well-being of children in the state
The Chief of Field Office, appreciated the wife of Nasarawa State Governor, Hajiya Silifat Sule, and other stakeholders for championing breastfeeding and child nutrition in the state.
She reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to support Nasarawa government towards a better child health and nutrition.
In his remarks, Dr Gaza Gwamna, Nasarawa Commissioner for Health harped on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr John Damina, the commissioner challenged lactating mothers to sustain the culture of exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first six months of a child’s life.
“Exclusive breastfeeding is crucial to the growth and mental development of every child. It’s important that culture without introducing any other feed for the stipulated period of six months.
“Also, the habit of spilling the the first milk after birth should be discouraged as it’s highly beneficial to the baby,” he said.
Some of the mothers, Mrs Charity Edeh and Asmau Agabi, gave testimonies about the benefit of breastfeeding their babies exclusively for the first six months.
They encouraged all women to adopt the practice, especially with the current economic realities with the attendant high cost of infant formulas.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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