ONDO NOA ADVOCATES EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING AS WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK BEGINS
— Launches Sensitization Campaign Across Communities
As part of activities marking the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week, the Ondo State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged nursing mothers to adopt exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of their babies’ lives.
This call was made in a press statement issued in Akure on Tuesday by the State Director of NOA, Mr. James Adekunle, who described breast milk as “nature’s perfect food,” loaded with essential nutrients and antibodies necessary for a child’s growth, brain development, and immunity.
“Exclusive breastfeeding saves lives by protecting infants from infections and malnutrition. It also fosters emotional bonding between mother and child, and contributes positively to maternal health by aiding postpartum recovery and lowering the risk of certain cancers,” Adekunle stated.
He emphasized that successful breastfeeding requires strong support systems at home and within the community. “Mothers need emotional, physical, and practical assistance. Families can support by encouraging them, helping with household responsibilities, and refraining from introducing other foods too early,” he said.
To mark the week, which runs from August 1 to 7, Mr. Adekunle disclosed that the agency has launched an intensive sensitization campaign across communities in the state to promote the practice.
Reiterating the importance of this year’s theme, which underscores the need for sustained support across all sectors — from homes to healthcare facilities and workplaces — he called on health workers and community leaders to champion accurate information and debunk myths surrounding breastfeeding.
“Breastfeeding is a shared responsibility. We must build supportive systems around every mother to ensure healthier children, stronger families, and a more prosperous Nigeria,” Adekunle added.
The National Orientation Agency joins the global movement to promote breastfeeding as a life-saving, brain-building, and eco-friendly practice.
