By Umar Faruk
Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria –June 12, 2026 (Series News Online)–Progressive Women and Youth Development, PWYP, Kebbi Chapter, on Thursday took its nutrition awareness campaign to the Antenatal Care Unit of Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, to sensitize pregnant and nursing mothers on the nutritional value of locally available foods.
The Chief Executive Officer of the association, Mrs. Hassana Richeal Samuel, led a team of volunteers to the hospital where they engaged mothers on how to prepare balanced meals from affordable, community-based food items.
Mrs. Samuel explained that the outreach was designed to address malnutrition and anemia, which often lead to complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
“Many pregnant women have died due to shortage of blood because they lack basic nutrients. The essence of taking this awareness to the ANC unit of this hospital is to enlighten our women living in various communities on how to get good and cheap nutrients from our local foods, which are very abundant,” she said.
She noted that most of the food items needed for proper nutrition are already within reach of rural households.
“They need to know that these local foods can give us enough nutrients, but many of them do not know this. So we are here to teach them how to mix these local foods and derive sufficient nutrients,” Mrs. Samuel stated.
During the session, the team displayed and explained the benefits of soya beans, millet, watermelon, sweet potatoes, groundnuts, and fish, among other items.
“Our people need to know that they do not have to sell off all their food after harvesting. They can preserve some for consumption purposes. An orange per day can save the life of a pregnant woman during labour. We have all these nutritious foods around us, but we do not know how to use them,” she added.
Mrs. Samuel said the association had planned to reach 25 nursing mothers, but the turnout exceeded expectations.
“We asked for 25 women, but now we are having more than that number. Today is their antenatal day and it is an opportunity to address them and teach them how to mix our fruits, salads, and foods to get the best nutrients,” she said.
The PWYP team demonstrated simple food combinations and preservation methods to help mothers maximize nutrition at low cost. Organizers said the campaign will continue in other health facilities across Kebbi State to reduce maternal and child malnutrition.
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Nutrition program