By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, the wife of the Kwara Governor, has disclosed that the Federal Government has mobilized 30,000 mothers, including 500 from Kwara, to breastfeed their babies across all 36 states in Nigeria and the FCT.
AbdulRazaq stated this on Thursday in Ilorin while speaking at the Flag-off of the World Breastfeeding Week (WBW).
She explained that the programme symbolizes the collective commitment to promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding across Nigeria.
“As part of the 2024 WBW celebration efforts, Kwara State joins the rest of Nigerians to break the world record for the highest number of lactating mothers breastfeeding simultaneously.
“Nigeria has joined other countries around the world to commemorate the World Breastfeeding Week, an annual global campaign to create awareness for supporting, protecting, and promoting optimal breastfeeding practices,” she said.
Mrs AbdulRazaq who was represented by Mrs Folasade Opeyemi, the Kwara Commissioner for Women Affairs, said this year’s, theme is entitled: “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All”.
According to her, the theme focuses on reducing the inequalities that hinder access to breastfeeding support.
“This year’s celebration aims to recognize breastfeeding mums, ensure they are seen and heard, and share relatable human experiences about breastfeeding and the importance of multi-level support.
“This support could be in the form of policies and attitudes that value women and breastfeeding.
“A breastfeeding- friendly healthcare system, respect for women’s autonomy and the right to breastfeed anytime and anywhere.
“It is also to galvanize solidarity and community support for optimal breastfeeding practices,” she said.
Earlier in her welcoming address, Dr Nusirat Elelu, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency stated that every first to seventh of August is commemorated as breastfeeding week.
Elelu who was represented by Dr Michael Oguntoye, the Director Primary Healthcare Development Agency, said working mothers in Nigeria often struggle to breastfeed according to recommendations due yo lack of support and weak protective environments.
“Work place may have strict laws and codes of conduct that make it challenging for nursing mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding.
“Inconsistent breastfeeding is common because of qork restraints, including insufficient break time and privacy to feeding in the work place,” she said.
Elelu stated that studies have shown that nursing mothers who work as government workers practice exclusive breastfeeding more than any other occupational group but often discontinue midway because of work demands.
She pointed out that the Kwara Government, in 2023 approved the six months maternity leave for lactating mothers to enable them have enough to lay a good foundation for early initiation, exclusive breastfeeding and extended breastfeeding.
“The exclusive breastfeeding rate for Kwara is 57.6 per cent which is the highest in the North Central Zone, higher than the National average of 34. 4 percent,” she said.
