Wife of the Niger State Governor, Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Bago, has called on nursing mothers to confidently embrace exclusive breastfeeding, describing it as vital for the health and development of their babies.
She made the call at the official flag-off of the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week, held at the Peter Sarkin Primary Health Care Centre in Tunga, Chanchaga Local Government Area of the state. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create a Sustainable Support System.”
In her remarks, Hajiya Fatima Bago described breastfeeding as nature’s perfect gift and a powerful source of nourishment that strengthens the bond between mother and child. She emphasized the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, noting that the global campaign continues to play a significant role in raising awareness on its benefits.
The governor’s wife also advised husbands to support their breastfeeding wives by providing them with adequate nutrition, which in turn enables them to produce quality milk for their babies.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Primary Health Care, Dr. Mohammed Gana, underscored the health benefits of breastfeeding. He highlighted the importance of initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, which he said greatly contributes to the well-being of newborns. Dr. Gana reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to continuous sensitization and awareness campaigns aimed at educating women.
Also present was UNICEF Health Specialist from the Kaduna Field Office, Ahmad Tsofa, who commended the Niger State Government for being among the first ten states in Nigeria to approve six months of paid maternity leave for nursing mothers — a step he described as progressive and supportive of women’s health.
In his goodwill message, the Emir of Minna, Dr. Umar Farouq Bahago, represented by Ubandoman Minna, Umar Bashir, applauded the First Lady for her active participation and praised the high turnout of nursing mothers at the event.
A nursing mother, Esther Okpara, who spoke on behalf of other mothers, expressed gratitude to Hajiya Fatima Bago for recognizing their efforts. She also appreciated the First Lady’s continued support and encouragement towards mothers across the state.
