Embrace exclusive breastfeeding, Kwara govt tells nursing mothers

The Kwara State Government has urged nursing mothers to embrace exclusive breastfeeding, describing it as a key measure for preventing malnutrition and ensuring healthy growth and development of children.

The Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Mary Ronke Arinde, made the call while receiving a delegation from the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency during a courtesy visit to her office.

Arinde said the state government has continued to intensify public awareness campaigns on the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, describing it as one of the most effective and affordable ways of improving child survival and nutrition.

She noted that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq approved six months of paid maternity leave for female civil servants to enable nursing mothers exclusively breastfeed their babies during the first six months of life.

According to her, the policy reflects the administration’s commitment to improving maternal and child health, reducing malnutrition and promoting the wellbeing of children across the state.

Earlier, the State Nutrition Officer at the Primary Health Care Development Agency, Oluwagbenga Bankole, said the visit was part of activities marking the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week, themed, *“Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”*

Bankole said the agency had commenced statewide awareness campaigns to educate mothers, families and communities on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding.

He explained that infants should receive only breast milk during the first six months of life, without water or other foods, except prescribed medications where necessary.

The nutrition officer encouraged female public servants to take advantage of the six-month maternity leave approved by the state government, noting that exclusive breastfeeding contributes significantly to the healthy growth, development and survival of children.

He also commended the Kwara State Government for supporting maternal and child health programmes and urged stakeholders to continue promoting proper infant and young child feeding practices.