The Niger State Government has joined the global community in commemorating the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week, with a renewed call on mothers to embrace exclusive breastfeeding as a vital step towards improving child nutrition, food security and poverty reduction.
Flagging off the week-long activities in Minna, the Wife of the Governor, Fatima Bago, underscored the importance of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a child’s life, describing it as one of the strongest foundations for healthy growth and development.
Mrs. Bago said breast milk provides infants with the essential nutrients required for healthy development, strengthens their immunity, and protects them during the most vulnerable stages of life.
She stressed that promoting breastfeeding should not be the responsibility of mothers alone, urging husbands to create a supportive home environment for nursing mothers. She also called on employers to provide enabling workplace policies for breastfeeding mothers, while encouraging healthcare workers to continue offering accurate information, counselling and guidance on optimal infant-feeding practices.
The Executive Director of the Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Junaidu Inuwa, said achieving optimal breastfeeding practices requires the collective commitment of government, families, healthcare professionals, development partners and communities.
According to him, World Breastfeeding Week should be seen not merely as an annual event but as a global call to action, emphasising that breastfeeding remains one of the most effective interventions for reducing child mortality, improving nutrition and promoting lifelong health.
Inuwa acknowledged the progress recorded by Niger State in breastfeeding practices but noted that greater efforts are required to achieve the global target of ensuring that at least 60 per cent of infants are exclusively breastfed by 2030.
He also commended Governor Umaru Bago for what he described as remarkable investments and interventions in the state’s health sector, particularly in maternal and child healthcare.
The 2026 World Breastfeeding Week is being observed under the theme “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”
The campaign seeks to promote breastfeeding as a key strategy for improving child health, enhancing nutrition and supporting sustainable development.
CHANNELS