prioritize exclusive breastfeeding for six months Mrs Otti urges mothers

Ogbonnaya Ikokwu, Umuahia

The wife of the Governor of Abia State Mrs Priscila Otti, has urged nursing mothers in the state, to prioritize exclusive breastfeeding to supply their babies with the nutrients for effective development.

Mrs Otti spoke in Umuahia the state capital on Tuesday during the flag off of the 2025 world breastfeeding week with the theme “prioritize breastfeeding, create sustainable support system”.

She stated that breastfeeding is nature’s way of giving optimal nutrition and care for children, adding that it is a beautiful role of women in every society and Vital aspect of motherhood that provides numerous benefits for both the mother and her baby

Mrs Otti who commended mothers for their noble role in caring for their babies called on them to embrace the teaching on exclusive breastfeeding of babies in the first months and thereafter continue breastfeeding with adequate complementary foods from six months until about two years or more.

She said,”This year’s theme of the world breastfeeding week focuses on environment and climate change
It highlights every individual’s roles in supporting breastfeeding to create a sustainable environment while simultaneously reducing the impact of climate change on children health.

“It also brings out breastfeeding as a means of ensuring food security for infants especially in times of adversity and weather related disaster. The theme signifies that when breastfeeding is protected, promoted and support, a sustainable environment is created and will help us mitigate impacts of climate change”.

“I urge our mothers to continue prioritizing breastfeeding and to seek support when needed. Your dedication to your children’s health and seek support when needed. Your dedication to your dedication to your children’s health and wellbeing is commended.

“I also join to plead with all husbands and fathers in our community including our traditional rulers to help support the breastfeeding mothers with all needed support so they can breastfeed successfully.

The governor’s wife commended healthcare workers, lactation consultants and breastfeeding support group who have being providing guidance and care to nursing mothers.

“I implore you not to relent in your efforts but improve on interpersonal communications skills and attitude to provide the leadership and technical support needed to make our health services more attractive”. She said.

In their different remarks the Commissioner of health in the state Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, the commissioner for women affairs Dr Maureen Aghukwa and Alex Otti, for hish friendly policies and creating adequate space in work places for nursing mothers to care for their babies.