By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
The Niger State Government has called on mothers to embrace exclusive breastfeeding as a vital step towards improving child health, boosting nutrition and reducing poverty.
Speaking at the launch of activities marking the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week in Minna, the wife of the governor, Fatima Bago, described exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a child’s life as one of the most effective ways to guarantee healthy growth and development.
According to her, breast milk provides all the nutrients infants need while strengthening their immune systems and protecting them from infections in their early months.
Mrs. Bago stressed that successful breastfeeding requires the support of families, employers and healthcare professionals. She urged husbands to create supportive home environments for nursing mothers, called on employers to adopt breastfeeding-friendly workplace policies and encouraged health workers to sustain awareness campaigns and counselling on proper infant-feeding practices.
Also speaking, Executive Director of the Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Junaidu Inuwa, described breastfeeding as one of the most effective interventions for reducing child mortality, improving nutrition and promoting lifelong health.
He said achieving optimal breastfeeding practices requires collaboration among government institutions, healthcare workers, families, development partners and local communities.
While acknowledging the progress recorded in Niger State, Inuwa noted that more work is needed to meet the global target of ensuring that at least 60 per cent of infants are exclusively breastfed by 2030.
He commended Governor Umaru Bago’s administration for its investments in maternal and child healthcare, describing the interventions as critical to improving healthcare delivery across the state.
The 2026 World Breastfeeding Week is being observed under the theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” highlighting the role of breastfeeding in promoting child health, nutrition and sustainable development.
