Borno State officially flagged off the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week on 2nd August, 2025, at the State Specialist Hospital Maiduguri, under the theme “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems.”
The ceremony began formally with the National Anthem and opening prayers. This was followed by a welcome address by Dr. Mala Abdulwahab the representative of the Executive Secretary of the SPHCDB, who highlighted the importance of prioritizing breastfeeding and the need for sustainable support systems to encourage and protect optimal infant feeding practices in the state.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Representative of the Shehu of Borno, the Chairman House Committee on Health, the Executive Secretary BOSCHMA, the Chairman of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, and the Medical Director of the State Specialist Hospital, Dr Baba Shehu. UNICEF, delivered the goodwill message on behalf of all partners, noted that although there has been improvement in the status of breastfeeding in the state, there is still more work to be done to reach the desired target.
The Honourable Commissioner for Health and Human Services represented by the Permanent secretary Dr. Shettima Maina Mohammed emphasized on government’s dedication to promoting breastfeeding as a key public health strategy. The Commissioner then formally invited Her Excellency to deliver her speech.
In her address, Her Excellency Dr. Falmata Babagana Umara Zulum emphasized the vital role of breastfeeding in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of infants and mothers. She called on all stakeholders, families, and communities to prioritize breastfeeding and work together to create enabling environments for mothers. She then proceeded to officially flag off the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week in Borno State. Her Excellency personally distributed gifts to mothers, encouraging and motivating them to sustain optimal breastfeeding practices.
The Chairperson of the Borno State Chapter of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria Prof. Hauwa Hajjagana Laminu and members of the association were also in attendance and supported the event by giving gifts to mothers.
The flag-off concluded with a tour of the hospital’s labour ward by Her Excellency, followed by a vote of thanks. The ceremony demonstrated Borno State’s strong commitment to promoting breastfeeding for healthier mothers and children.
You May Also Like
