Kogi State Ministry of Health, in conjunction with the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, have commemorated the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week with a call for increased awareness and support for breastfeeding.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Mr. Steven Aziz Momoh, who represented the Honourable Commissioner, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza noted that strong synergy was required for the attainment of set goals.
According to him, breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for both children and mothers, including promoting healthy brain development, preventing malnutrition and diseases, and reducing the risk of obesity and chronic diseases.
He however, stated that Kogi State has low breastfeeding rates, with only 29.5% of children exclusively breastfed, as per the 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey.
“The Ministry of Health remains committed to supporting, protecting, and promoting breastfeeding as a vital means of eradicating childhood malnutrition”, he stated.
The Permanent Secretary urged all stakeholders, including governments, donors, civil society, and partners, to strengthen efforts to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding and appreciated the efforts of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, in prioritizing the health of Kogi citizens, especially women and children.
The wife of the Governor who is the Nutrition Ambassador, Hajia Sefinat Ahmed Usman Ododo, was also commended for her contributions to nutritional improvement in the state.
The Executive Director of the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA), Dr. Mu’azu Musa Omeiza, highlighted the significance of breastfeeding in promoting the health and well-being of mothers and children. “Breast milk provides essential nutrients and protection against childhood illnesses, making it a vital investment in a child’s future and ensuring optimal growth and development.
In Kogi State and Nigeria, breastfeeding is particularly crucial due to limited access to healthcare and resources. The Agency recognizes the challenges faced by nursing mothers and it is working to address them. By promoting breastfeeding, the agency aims to improve health outcomes for mothers and children”, he remarked.
Dr. Omeiza emphasized the Agency’s commitment to tackling breastfeeding challenges through initiatives like training healthcare workers, conducting public awareness campaigns, and gathering data to create a supportive environment for nursing mothers.
He urged everyone to support breastfeeding promotion and foster a supportive community for nursing mothers.
The Executive Director encouraged families, communities, and workplaces to create an environment that enables breastfeeding to thrive, stressing that by working together, the Agency hopes to achieve its goals and make breastfeeding a sustainable and integral part of maternal and child health in Kogi State.
Dr. Omeiza called for collective efforts to ensure accessible breastfeeding support for all.
Mr. Folayan Idowu, the Kogi State Coordinator of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, expressed gratitude to the Ministry and the Agency for hosting the event and highlighted the importance of the training on breastfeeding, emphasizing that it is crucial for the development of babies and the well-being of future leaders.
Dr. Yetunde Owa, the President of the Medical Women’s Association, Kogi State chapter, expressed her delight in attending the event to celebrate breastfeeding and commended the State Primary Health Care Development Agency and the State Ministry of Health for organizing the event.
Mrs. Alapo Fumilola of the Kogi State Ministry of Health discussed the importance of breastfeeding and its benefits for both mothers and babies. She emphasized the need to put the baby to breast within the first hour of birth, which helps establish lactation and prevents infections.
The Kogi State ANRiN project Coordinator, Mr. Bolarinwa Oladele Ogundusi, expressed gratitude and appreciation to those who have made significant contributions to the lives of women and children, particularly in the primary healthcare sector.
The Kogi State Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasized the importance of breastfeeding as a vital component of a child’s nutrition and immunity, highlighting its benefits for a child’s overall health and well-being.
The Representative encouraged caregivers to practice exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life and to continue supporting their nutritional needs thereafter.
The Ministry of Health aims to reinforce a “breastfeeding culture” and commitment to social mobilization to enable all women to practice exclusive breastfeeding and feed their infants exclusively on breast milk from birth to six months. By prioritizing breastfeeding, the state can improve the health and well-being of its children and mothers.
This year’s theme, “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems,” emphasizes the need for stakeholders to unite and promote breastfeeding awareness and support for mothers.
Dorothy Onoja
PRO
Ministry of Health
