Nigeria: Jigawa First Lady Advocates Community Participation Exclusive Breastfeeding
[Leadership] The wife of the Jigawa State governor, Hajiya Hadiza Umar Namadi, has called on families, communities, and stakeholders to join hands in promoting exclusive breastfeeding practices in society to ensure the survival and healthy growth of children.
Hajiya Hadiza Umar Namadi, the First Lady of Jigawa State, has urged families, communities, and stakeholders to collaborate in promoting exclusive breastfeeding practices for children's survival and healthy growth. Speaking at the 2026 World Breastfeeding Day celebration in Dutse local government area, she emphasized the importance of providing a supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers.
Traditionally, breastfeeding mothers received special treatment, a practice that must be revived. She highlighted that exclusive breastfeeding for six months protects children from preventable diseases and stresses the need for appropriate complementary food after this period. According to UNICEF state facilitator Dr. Samuel Cesan Adebarin, the first 1,000 days of a child's life are crucial for healthy growth and development, making breast milk a vital source of nutrition and protection.
Adebarin stressed that supporting breastfeeding benefits children, communities, and the nation by improving health, reducing healthcare costs, and enhancing human capital development. He reiterated UNICEF's commitment to working with stakeholders to ensure mothers receive necessary support for successful breastfeeding.
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