Otukpo Residents Champion Exclusive Breastfeeding with Awareness Walk EXCLUSIVE(PUNCH)

On Wednesday, Otukpo Local Government Area in Benue State buzzed with activity as residents participated in a road walk and community awareness drive throughout the town's main streets. This event was part of a global observance aimed at informing locals about the advantages of exclusive breastfeeding. Two mothers currently breastfeeding shared their perspectives with reporters, highlighting the significance of the campaign as both educational and crucial for aspiring mothers.

Mrs. Aisha Okwa, whose baby was only one day old on Wednesday, emphasized that breastfeeding is the optimal method for ensuring a child's well-being. She mentioned having exclusively breastfed her two elder children, both of whom medical professionals have certified as very healthy. Okwa stated, “I gave birth yesterday (Tuesday, August 4, 2026) and within one hour of her birth of I breastfed my baby and this baby is my third child. For the two children, I also observed exclusive breastfeeding for them and I can attest that it works well for them. “My children are healthy and if you see them you will love them.” Similarly, Madam Ene Ogoli One, a mother of three whose youngest child was just a week old, also affirmed the critical role of exclusive breastfeeding, noting that she nurses her newborn every 30 minutes.

Maxwell Ogiri, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government, participated in the awareness walk and praised UNICEF for its involvement and backing of the initiative. He highlighted mothers as embodying the initial miracle of nurturing life within their wombs for nine months. Ogiri pledged the local government's ongoing collaboration with UNICEF and other contributing organizations in promoting exclusive breastfeeding, particularly engaging with mothers and relevant community figures.

Prior to this, Mrs. Ene Omale, the Nutrition Focal Person for Otukpo, explained that the initial breast milk, characterized by its yellowish hue, safeguards infants from infections and fosters healthy development. She advised, “It helps mother control bleeding and it helps to develop and baby’s intelligence quotient. There is no need to give water to babies during exclusive breastfeeding because there is more than enough water in breast milk. After six months you start supplementary feeding to the babies.”

Earlier in the week, the Benue State Primary Health Care Board, in conjunction with the State Ministry of Health and Human Services, UNICEF, and various development partners, officially inaugurated the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week festivities. Concurrently, they unveiled the "First 1,000 Days Campaign Posters" within Benue State. This launch event, held on Monday at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi, convened a diverse group including government representatives, aid organizations, medical practitioners, traditional and spiritual leaders, non-governmental groups, community volunteers, mothers, caregivers, and other key individuals dedicated to enhancing maternal, newborn, and child nutrition throughout the state.

The 2026 World Breastfeeding Week observed the global theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” underscoring breastfeeding's crucial contribution to child survival, optimal development, enhanced immunity, and sustainable progress. Dr. Ogwuche Ejeh Paul, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, extended gratitude to UNICEF, the World Health Organisation, Helen Keller International, and other partners for their continuous efforts in bolstering nutrition initiatives and enhancing maternal and child health outcomes across Benue State. He characterized breastfeeding as a highly effective, economical, and scientifically proven method for decreasing infant mortality, combating malnutrition, and establishing a robust basis for healthy growth and lifelong development.

Dr. Ogwuche noted that the introduction of the First 1,000 Days Campaign marked another significant achievement in the state’s commitment to improving maternal, infant, and young child nutrition. He explained that the period from a baby's conception up to their second birthday offers an unparalleled chance to positively affect a child's physical growth, brain development, learning abilities, and future potential. This is achieved through proper maternal diet, early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding for the initial six months, and appropriate complementary feeding thereafter.

However, the Commissioner voiced apprehension regarding the ongoing issue of malnutrition within the state, especially among children and mothers residing in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. He highlighted that conditions such as displacement, food scarcity, poor sanitation, and limited economic opportunities continue to render these vulnerable groups susceptible to severe malnutrition and related health problems. Dr. Ogwuche concluded by stating that the newly introduced First 1,000 Days Campaign Posters would serve as essential advocacy tools.