By Agbo Amauche, Abakaliki
The Wife of Ebonyi State Governor Chief (Mrs) Mary-Maudline Nwifuru has encouraged pregnant mothers to embrace exclusive breastfeeding in order to improve the health of their babies.
She Stated this while flagging off the 2023 breastfeeding week in Abakaliki, the State capital.
The wife of the governor who noted that the importance of exclusive breastfeeding can not be over emphasized, appealed to the traditional and religious leaders to disseminate message of breastfeeding to pregnant and nursing mothers at their various villages, churches and communities for a better society.
The Governor’s wife however inculcated nursing mothers on how to hold their babies during breastfeeding
Earlier, during a press briefing, the governor’s wife who was represented by Mrs Jessica Uburu, SA to the Governor office of her Excellency, urged development partners to continue to protect, promote and support exclusive breastfeeding as it is a fundamental rights of every child and mother.
In his remarks, Mr Moses Ekuma, Commissioner for Health, revealed plans to meet with the state house of Assembly to review maternity leave for working mothers from 3- 6 months.
Ekuma stated that the state government would established creche centres in workplaces to enable nursing staff breastfeed their babies.
He said that the week-long events serves as a reminder significant role that breastfeeding plays in maturing healthy communities and promoting well being of both mother’s and children.
He emphasised on the benefits of breastfeeding especially colostrum, stressing that breast milk provides essential nutrients, anti bodies and protection against various diseases for babies.
“This year’s theme: emphases the important of supportive work places in empowering breastfeeding mothers to continue this vital practice,” Ekuma said.
Mr Clinton Ofoegbu, Nutrition Focal Person , USAID Breakthrough Action Nigeria called on government to adopt 2-weeks paternal leave to assist the wife.
The Commissioners of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Felicia Nwankpuma promised to educate pregnant mothers on the initiative, during the 2023 women convention at the rural areas.
Mrs Ekara Etiedu, Resigtered Dietitian Nutritionist AE-FUTHA and the Coordinator, Baby Friendly Initiative Mrs Beatrice Oji-Nkama said lactating mothers should have access to breastfeeding to increase bond between mother and child.
In a good will messages, the traditional ruler of Agbaja autonomous Community Eze Emmanuel Nwojiji and Rev. Rita Okpaku while commending Mrs Nwifuru for her giant efforts in improving the lives of women, urged mothers to ensure they gave their new born babies colostrum as well as breastfed their babies every twenty four hours for a better society and pledged their total support to drive home the programme.
The flag off of the 2023 breast feeding week which had its theme: “Enabling breastfeeding – making a difference for working parents” was widely attended by Government officials, nursing mothers, development partners, traditional and religious leaders.
Highlights of the event were the distribution of maternity kits to nursing mothers at Maternal & Child Health centre Azuiyiokwu by the wife of the Governor.