The Civil Society Scaling up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) Bayelsa State chapter urged traditional rulers and the Ekeki community to promote exclusive breastfeeding among women..
Mrs Ekinabhari Unity Ototo, Coordinator of CS-SUNN Bayelsa State, made the call while members of the organisation paid a courtesy call on the traditional chief and council of chiefs of the Ekeki community.
Mrs. Ototo stated that the purpose of the visit was to advocate to stakeholders about the need and importance of breastfeeding children for the first six months of life.
She stated, “CS-SUNN is a civil society initiative to increase nutrition for children and adults in order to prevent malnutrition, particularly among children. We urge traditional rulers to use their roles to encourage and speak to women in the community about breastfeeding their young children for six months without adding water.”
While discussing the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, she mentioned that well-breastfed children are typically stronger and more intelligent, and that it also allows parents to save money on canned milk products, which are not very healthy for babies.
Lady Eunice Nnachi, Lead Advocacy, CS-SUNN, also spoke, emphasising that exclusive breastfeeding is one way to achieve optimal nutrition for children because breast milk contains all of the nutrients required for a child’s proper growth and development.
Lady Nnachi thanked the Council of Chiefs in the Ekeki community for the warm reception given to the CS-SUNN members and requested their continued support.
In his response, His Royal Highness, Alia Neze, Paramount Ruler of the Ekeki community, thanked CS-SUNN for the visit and information on exclusive breastfeeding.
HRH Alia Neze assured the community’s women that information and sensitisation on exclusive breastfeeding would be provided for the benefit of both mothers and children.
“Many of our problems are the result of ignorance; we are grateful that you have expanded our understanding of what we already know. This message will be delivered to our people because it is about life and health, which we will take seriously
