By Joy Omagha Idam, Gloria Josiah and Cynthia Batuta
Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, National Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), has charged women to Breastfeed new born with milk, explaining that it is like the air humans needs and this must be done for the first 6 months of the baby, before introducing other food and continuing the Breastfeeding for at least 2 years. Breast milk is an immune booster and helps babies resist diseases and infections.
Secondly, while appreciating our guests, resource persons, Ministry of Health, Gift Health and Development Initiative, for their commitment of the resources of time dedicated to ensuring that this event is a huge success, let me equally call on employers to create Creche within the work space to enable Mothers continue with the breastfeeding process while at work as Breastmilk has proven to be a life saver for infants rather than artificial milk. The Women must maintain personal hygiene, keep their brassieres clean at all times.
Comrade Aisha Ibrahim commended NAWOJ FCT, for the painstaking diligence, commitment to actualizing one of the missions of NAWOJ in the area of timely and properly planned advocacies tailored to the growing needs of women, the girl-child, children and family institutions alike.
She warmly Commended the VP Zone D, Zonal Officers, Chairperson FCT, Bassey Ita Ikpang, Executives and members. I praise your effort and task you to continue relentlessly in this service to humanity. Adding that the empowerment of women is a necessity which no one, no organized system, no government should shy away from. In NAWOJ, we believe that an empowered woman is a woman fully equipped to nurture herself as well as nurture others”.
Hence, our association all across the states of the federation has been taking deliberate steps to ensuring that women empowerment is part of efforts we make in order to give women a place in the society.
We train, educate women through seminars and workshops and empower them to be productive personalities as well as advocate for women inclusion in governance.
It is only a woman who knows her fundamental human rights as a citizen that would understand, respect and Uphold the rights of others, including the right of her child.
There’s no gain reiterating the fact that a breast fed child is healthier than the child fed with formular, we won’t dwell on that. I am sure experienced mothers have positive tales to tell about this. It is pertinent for us to continue to draw attention to the need to grow and groom children who are healthy and strong to carry on after we the mothers have stepped aside .
NAWOJ National Chairperson, Therefore, used the event to encourage all career women who are warming up for motherhood to devise a proper breastfeeding plan for their babies, including expressing breast milk for nannies and other caregivers rather than starting off on formulas from the onset. Employers should also establish Creches within the work space for nursing working mothers to promote breastfeeding.
I also encourage breastfeeding on demand and for the first 6 months of a baby’s life. This, we all agree, will enable the child grow into stronger and more virile youth who is not in any way ravaged by prevailing childhood killer diseases, she declared.
Earlier in her welcome address the Chairperson NAWOJ FCT Chapter, Bassey Ita Ikpang noted that ” we gather to discuss and champion two critical issues that are deeply interwoven-the empowerment of women and the promotion of breastfeeding. These two elements are not just vital to the health and well-being of our society, but are also fundamental to creating a future where every woman, mother, and child can thrive irrespective of age, tribe, or status”.
BAssey Ita Ikpang noted that”Empowerment is a call to action and not just a word. To empower women is to give them the tools, resources, and support they need to make informed decisions about their lives and the lives of their children. It is about ensuring that women have access to education, healthcare, and opportunities that allow them reach their full potential. When we empower women, we uplift families, communities, and ultimately, the entire nation”.
While “breastfeeding is one of the most powerful ways to empower women and protect the health of their children. It is a natural process that provides the ideal nutrition for infants, laying the foundation for a healthy life. Breast milk is rich in antibodies and nutrients that are essential for the development of the brain and the immune system. Beyond its health benefits, breastfeeding strengthens the bond between mother and child, fostering emotional security and connection”.
She stated that “breastfeeding is more than just a personal choice; it is a public health priority as such, we must work together to create an environment where every woman feels supported in her decision to breastfeed. This means advocating for policies that provide maternity leave, breastfeeding-friendly workplaces, and access to accurate information and healthcare services”.
Opportunities and Challenges “Just like the two sides of a coin, breastfeeding comes with many challenges and opportunities. Many women face significant challenges when it comes to breastfeeding, from societal pressures to the demands of work. These challenges are compounded by the lack of support and misinformation. Our role, as journalists, advocates and leaders, is to break down these barriers and create a culture that values and promotes breastfeeding as the norm”.
As I conclude, let me remind us that by empowering women, we are investing in the future. By promoting breastfeeding, we are giving our children the best possible start in life. Together, we can build a world where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and every child has the chance to grow up healthy and strong.
Women of Wumba were also encouraged to cut down on salt and cube seasonings which have been associated with escalating heart and cardiovascular issues, this was made known by the Programme Officer Cardiovascular Health, Capps, Bukola Olukemi Odele in her lecture tagged “Salt Reduction”.
From the Ministry of Health, Mrs Bayode Adenike the BFI Desk Officer extensively educated the Wumba women on the best ways to breastfeed and gave the duration to include exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months after which the baby should be introduced to other food taken by the family gradually while still breastfeeding the child.
Stressing that if mothers adhere to exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, parents will not need to visit the hospital regularly and the money spent on instant formular will be reduced. She demonstrated how to make the breast flow where the Breastmilk refuses to and the Wumba women were very grateful for the Advocacy.
The CEO of Gift Health and Development Initiative, commended FCT NAWOJ for its resolve to work on women, children and families health and promised to collaborate with the Association as they go around FCT on various Health Advocacies. Gratitude also goes to one of the event sponsors Prof Ezekiel and Grace Foundation PH.
