Health advocates have called on nursing mothers to prioritize exclusive breastfeeding and proper complementary feeding to ensure healthy growth and development in children.
The call was made during a community sensitization event organized to mark this year's World Breastfeeding Week, held from August 1 to 7.
Speaking at the event, Safiya Abdullahi, Nutrition Officer for the Accelerated Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRIN) project, described early infant feeding as the foundation for long-term health.
"Breastfeeding is the first step for a human being to live a very healthy and fulfilled life," Na’idou said. She urged fathers, grandparents, and community members to support nursing mothers to achieve six months of exclusive breastfeeding.
Also speaking, Comfort Ojo, Executive Director of the Project Smile for Humanity Foundation, stated that the outreach was designed to provide practical education on child feeding.
Ojo noted that many mothers require guidance on proper positioning during breastfeeding to enhance bonding and ensure effective feeding. She also highlighted the importance of introducing safe complementary foods at six months.
To demonstrate this, the foundation organized live cooking sessions showing mothers how to prepare nutrient-rich infant meals using accessible local ingredients.
"Our locally available foods contain essential nutrients like iron, calcium, protein, and carbohydrates," Ojo said, emphasizing that families do not need expensive commercial products to nourish their children.
The event featured practical demonstrations with lactating mothers and infants, aiming to boost local adoption of proper feeding practices.