The First Lady of Ebonyi State, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru, has called on mothers across the state to embrace exclusive breastfeeding as a vital step toward ensuring healthier children and building a stronger society.
In a message to commemorate the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week, the First Lady joined mothers, families, healthcare professionals, and development partners in celebrating the importance of breastfeeding as one of the most effective ways of giving every child the best possible start in life.
Reflecting on this year’s global theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” Mrs. Nwifuru described breastfeeding as one of the greatest gifts a mother can offer her child, noting that it provides essential nutrition, protects infants from diseases, strengthens the bond between mother and baby, and lays the foundation for lifelong health and development.
She emphasized that mothers play a unique and irreplaceable role in shaping the future of their children from birth, urging them to practice exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life and to continue breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary feeding thereafter.
According to the First Lady, adopting recommended breastfeeding practices is crucial to reducing childhood illnesses, improving nutrition, and enhancing the overall well-being of children across Ebonyi State.
Mrs. Nwifuru further reaffirmed the commitment of the Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Persons Foundation (BERWO Foundation) to promoting maternal and child health through sustained advocacy, public awareness campaigns, health education, and community-based interventions aimed at supporting breastfeeding mothers.
She stressed that creating an enabling environment for mothers to breastfeed confidently requires the collective support of families, healthcare workers, government institutions, employers, and communities.
The First Lady urged all stakeholders to continue strengthening initiatives that promote optimal breastfeeding practices, noting that investing in the health of children today is an investment in the future prosperity of Ebonyi State.
“A healthy child today is the foundation of a stronger Ebonyi tomorrow,” she stated while wishing mothers and healthcare professionals a successful World Breastfeeding Week celebration.
She also encouraged residents to continue supporting programmes that advance maternal and child health, describing breastfeeding as a simple yet powerful intervention capable of transforming lives and fostering sustainable development across the state.
