As the fourth day of World Breastfeeding Week 2025 began in Kogi State, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adeiza Adams Abdullazeez during a press briefing, underscores the importance of breastfeeding. Prior to the press briefing, a roadshow was organized to create awareness about World Breastfeeding Week, mobilizing communities and promoting the theme “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems.” Under this theme, the occasion highlighted the need for robust support systems that enable mothers to breastfeed successfully.
Dr. Abdulazeez emphasized the role of healthcare systems, workplaces, and communities in promoting breastfeeding, citing its crucial role in providing essential nutrients and antibodies that protect against illnesses.
The Honourable Commissioner revealed that the State Government of Kogi, under the leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, had taken a significant step to promote breastfeeding by approving six months of paid maternity leave and 14 days of paid paternity leave for working parents.
This initiative, officially announced during the press briefing, aims to create a supportive environment that enables mothers to breastfeed successfully.
Representing the Honourable Commissioner, Mr. Steven Aziz Momoh, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, noted that breast milk, often referred to as “liquid gold,” is packed with nutrients, antibodies, and hormones tailored to meet the needs of a growing baby..
“Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of infections, allergies, and diseases in infants while promoting healthy brain development and a strong bond between mother and child.
“For mothers, breastfeeding offers numerous benefits, including aiding in postpartum recovery, lowering the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, and serving as a natural tool for birth spacing.
“Moreover, despite these benefits, breastfeeding can be challenging for many mothers. To address this, the state government is working to create breastfeeding-friendly public spaces, implement supportive policies, and promote a culture that values and normalizes breastfeeding, where crèches are being encouraged in all ministries to support mothers who have exclusively breastfed their babies.
Furthermore, the state government has implemented initiatives to support breastfeeding mothers, including training healthcare workers to provide lactation support and counseling services. In Lokoja, trained healthcare workers are available in hospitals and clinics to provide lactation support and counseling services. Additionally, mother-friendly spaces have been established in public areas to encourage breastfeeding in a supportive environment.
The Commissioner called on all religious and traditional leaders to complement government efforts and support this noble cause by promoting breastfeeding practices in worship centers and communities. He urged collective efforts to ensure every mother receives the necessary support and resources to breastfeed successfully, promoting a culture that empowers mothers to nourish their babies optimally.
The government assured that it would continue implementing measures to promote a healthy population in the state, recognizing the crucial role breastfeeding plays in providing essential nutrients and antibodies that protect against illnesses.
Earlier, the Executive Director of Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA), Dr Musa Omeiza Mu’azu emphasized in his welcome address that this year’s World Breastfeeding Week theme, “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems,” resonates deeply with the state’s mission to foster a supportive environment enabling mothers to breastfeed effectively.
Dr. Mu’azu expressed gratitude to the Honourable Commissioner for Health for his leadership and commitment to promoting breastfeeding in Kogi State.
He also appreciated healthcare workers, policymakers, and community leaders for their tireless efforts in creating a breastfeeding-friendly environment.
He urged continued prioritization of breastfeeding and collective efforts to ensure every mother receives necessary support and resources to nourish their babies optimally.
The highlight of the press briefing was an interactive Q&A session with the Honourable Commissioner and other officials, where journalists asked questions and sought clarification on various aspects of breastfeeding promotion and support in Kogi State. This segment allows for clarification, discussion, and further insight into the topic of breastfeeding and the government’s initiatives.
~P.R.O
Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency