Byline : Umar Faruk
Gotomo, Argungu, Bunza LGAs, Kebbi State, Nigeria - August 8, 2025 (Series News Online)
The Catalysing Strengthened Policy Action for Healthy Diets and Resilience (CASCADE) Nigeria, a non-governmental organization, has called on the people of Kebbi State to support lactating mothers in accessing nutritious food to ensure exclusive breastfeeding of infants. This appeal was made by Mr. Agamalafiya Jonathan, the Health and Nutrition Technical Officer of the NGO, during sensitization and dialogue sessions held in Dabire and Gotomo communities in Argungu Local Government Area.
According to Mr. Jonathan, "We are calling on people of Kebbi - women and men - to support our breastfeeding mothers to access nutritious food and encourage them to achieve six months exclusive breastfeeding, and subsequently proper complementary feeding for infants." The aim of the campaign, he said, is to enhance children's health and well-being, while equipping mothers with the knowledge and confidence to make informed nutritional decisions for their babies.
Mr. Jonathan emphasized the critical importance of colostrum and exclusive breastfeeding in laying a strong foundation for a child's health. He also called for collective action to overcome the barriers preventing effective breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices in local communities. "The project is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and implemented by CARE Nigeria, in collaboration with GAIN and FAcE-PaM," he revealed.
The awareness activities, Mr. Jonathan noted, are part of broader efforts to promote breastfeeding and improve child nutrition outcomes across Kebbi State. He added that gift packs are given to women who practice exclusive breastfeeding to appreciate their efforts and encourage other women in the community to emulate them.
In interviews with lactating mothers in Bunza and Argungu LGAs, poverty and entrenched cultural beliefs were identified as major challenges hindering exclusive breastfeeding practice. Some mothers also cited lack of awareness and economic hardship as significant obstacles to breastfeeding in the area.
The call for support was made during sensitization and dialogue sessions held in Dabire and Gotomo communities in Argungu LGA and Kalibile and Tunga communities in Bunza LGA of Kebbi State. The sessions aimed to promote exclusive breastfeeding and improve child nutrition outcomes in the state.
