Jigawa first lady urges parents to adopt exclusive breast feeding
By Ali Rabiu Ali Jigawa
The Jigawa State First Lady, Hajiya Hadiza Umar Namadi, has urged parents to adopt Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of a child's life. She made this call during the celebration of World Breastfeeding Week at the Kachi Primary Healthcare Center in Dutse, the state capital.
Represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Hajiya Aisha Aminu Usman, the First Lady emphasized the importance of early initiation of breastfeeding, ideally within 30 minutes to one hour after delivery.
She stressed that exclusive breastfeeding for six months provides numerous health benefits for both mothers and children, including boosting the child's immune system and supporting brain development.
Hon. Sibu Abdullahi demonstrated his support for new mothers by providing N300,000 and gifting N50,000 to a mother who gave birth on the day of the event. He named the infant Aisha in honor of the Deputy Governor's wife and advised mothers to embrace exclusive breastfeeding for their children's health benefits.
Dr. Shehu Sambo, Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, who was represented by director PHC Doctor Hassan Shuaibu Kwalam, presented the significance of exclusive breastfeeding and colostrum as the child's first immunization. He urged parents to ensure their children receive complete immunization doses, especially routine immunization, to protect them against life-threatening diseases.
The state government, through the Jigawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (JSPHCDA) and its partners, reiterated its commitment to strengthening programs that promote maternal and child health. The celebration aimed to empower mothers and families across Jigawa State, promoting sustainable support systems for breastfeeding.
The event was attended by hundreds of breastfeeding women, including newly delivered mothers, who benefited from information on exclusive breastfeeding and infant nutrition. Gifts, including material items and cash, were presented to selected mothers practicing exclusive breastfeeding.