Breastfeeding
By Nicholas Dechi
Makurdi, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Civil Society-Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), has called on the Benue Government to approve the extension of maternity leave from three to six months to enable nursing mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies.
Dr Terfa Kene, a board member of CS-SUNN made the call during advocacy visits to the State Head of Service, Dr Moses Ode and the Commissioner for Education, Dr Frederick Ikyaan, on Wednesday in Makurdi.
He noted that six months was the recommended period for mothers to exclusively breast feed their babies, hence the need for the extension of maternity leave from three to six months.
Kene said that such a long period of exclusive breastfeeding could enhance the bond between mothers and their infants.
He pointed out that breastfeeding mothers in other states were already enjoying the privilege, and it would do the state a lot of good if it followed suit.
Meanwhile, the Head of Service (HoS), Ode, commended CS-SUNN for taking up the responsibility of advocating for nutrition, adding that his office would do its best to give the advocacy necessary support.
He pledged to collaborate with CS-SUNN to enable it to achieve its set objectives.
Ode promised to intimate Gov. Hyacinth Alia on the gains that would accrue to the state if it gave nutrition the desired attention.
Also, the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr Ikyaan, said that all the issues raised by the organisation bordered on the advancement of humanity, hence, the ministry would subscribe to them.
Earlier, Mrs Rachel Ityonzughul, the State Coordinator, CS-SUNN, disclosed that seven states had already approved six months maternity leave for breastfeeding mothers, stating that two other states were also awaiting approval.
Ityonzughul called for the creation of the Department of Nutrition in ministries, adding that budgetary provisions should be adequately made for nutrition.
She advised the Ministry of Education to encourage students to take up career in nutrition.
Mr Moses Levah, the Permanent Secretary (PS), Budget and Economic Planning Commission and his counterpart in Service Welfare, Mr Terna Ayu, commended CS-SUNN for their efforts in nutrition advocacy.
The duo expressed optimism that the six months maternity leave would become a reality in Benue.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
DND/FON/IU
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Edited by Florence Onuegbu / Isaac Ukpoju
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