Kogi the Kogi State government has said that it has achieved 32% breastfeeding rate 2025 as against the 29.5% rate in 2021 2.5% higher than the previous record.
The Kogi State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Adeiza Abdulaziz disclosed this on Monday during a press conference to commemorate the 2025 breastfeeding week, organized by the state Ministry of health in collaboration with Kogi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, support by Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria, (ANRiN)
The commissioner who was represented by the permanent secretary in the ministry, noted that breastfeeding is more than just feeding, saying that it’s a profound expression of love, care, and nurturing those benefits both in mother and child in countless ways.
Speaking further he said “Breast milk is often referred to as liquid gold, and for good reason, It’s packed with nutrients, antibodies, and hormones that are perfectly tailored to meet the needs of a growing baby.
He added that breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of infections, allergies, and diseases in infants, while also promoting healthy brain development and a strong bond between mother and child.
“For mothers, breastfeeding offers numerous benefits as well. It helps with postpartum recovery by reducing bleeding and promoting uterine contractions. It also lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
“Moreover, breastfeeding can be a powerful tool for birth spacing, helping families plan and space their pregnancies. The importance and benefits of breast milk is so great that makes the whole world to declare in 1990, at Innocenti every first week of August to be a World Breastfeeding Week to enlighten and educate ourselves about the benefits. This practice started since 1992.
According to him, despite these benefits, breastfeeding is not without its challenges, saying that many mothers face difficulties with latching, milk supply, and societal pressures that can make breastfeeding a struggle.
He added that the theme for this year World Breastfeeding Week which states: ‘Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems, noting that it was therefore crucial that a supportive environment created for breastfeeding mothers.
According to him, this includes creating breastfeeding-friendly public spaces, policies and promoting a culture that values and normalizes breastfeeding.
“our state government has implemented initiatives aimed at supporting breastfeeding mothers. We have trained healthcare workers to provide lactation support and counselling services in our hospitals and clinics. We have also established mother-friendly spaces in public places to encourage breastfeeding in a supportive environment.
“The State Government under His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has also approved the 6 months paid (112 working days) maternity leave for mothers and 14days paid paternity leave for fathers to encourage breastfeeding.
“Cretches are being encouraged in all ministries to support mothers who must have exclusively breastfed their babies to be able to breastfeed in neat and safe spaces which are close to their workplace.
He therefore called on religious and traditional leaders to complement Government efforts and support this noble cause by promoting breastfeeding practices in their worship centres and communities.
“As we move forward, let’s work together to ensure that every mother has the support and resources she needs to breastfeed successfully. Let’s celebrate the beauty and importance of breastfeeding, and let’s create a world where mothers feel empowered to nourish their babies in the best way possible.
Speaking also, the Executive Director of Kogi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Muazu Musa Omeiza, emphasized the importance of breastfeeding in children and therefore enjoined mother adopt the ten metrology of breastfeeding to achieve the desired result.
He commended the Kogi State Government for prioritizing the heath needs of Kogi people, particularly in children, women and the vulnerable population in the state.
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.
Explaining the concept of breastfeeding, the coordinator, noted that exclusive breastfeeding means feeding babies with only breast milk for the first six months of life, adding that breast milk provides all the water the baby needs during this period of their life..
