World Breastfeeding Week in Nigeria Amid Hunger Protest
By Lawal Dahiru Mamman
Before the hunger protest under the banner of #EndBadGovernance ensued, organizers made their intentions public. Initially, they were thought to be “faceless groups” plotting under the cover of night. Ironically, once they revealed themselves, they were labeled as “unpopular” groups, previously invisible in Nigeria’s polity and politics.
Despite their perceived unpopularity, it did not take long for the call for a nationwide demonstration to gain momentum. The nation’s youth were enraged by their constant battles with hunger and their struggles to make ends meet.
Sensing the state of the nation and the high possibility of the demonstration turning into a full-blown riot, the authorities summoned political, traditional, and religious leaders to rally their followers, giving the administration time for its tree of uncommon economic policies to bear fruit.
This move was counterproductive. Political and traditional leaders had lost their influence, and religious clerics their authority. Posters flooded the streets of Nigeria, demanding better living conditions. The protest did not disappoint those who predicted it would be hijacked by opportunistic hoodlums.
Protesters seeking to “End Bad Governance” looted and carted away various materials from both private and government-owned establishments. Tragically, some lives were lost. God rest their souls. It is worth mentioning that the exercise was actually peaceful in some locations with no hiccups.
To quell the protest, Mr. President addressed Nigerians in a nationwide broadcast. Some accepted it as a speech of “compassion, unity, leadership, and direction.” Others dismissed it as “empty and annoying” because it did not address the pressing issues.
Read Also:
Interestingly, the first day of the ten-day hunger protest (August 1) coincided with the first day of World Breastfeeding Week (WBW). The first week of August (1-7) is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and many Ministries of Health, including Nigeria’s, and civil society organizations as WBW.
This initiative encourages breastfeeding and aims to improve the health of babies around the world. This year’s event, themed “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All,” is a campaign that celebrates breastfeeding mothers in all their diversity, throughout their breastfeeding journeys.
It showcases the ways families, societies, communities, and health workers can support every breastfeeding woman. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, this important occasion to celebrate and support our mothers, sisters, and friends in raising healthy babies has been overshadowed by the ongoing protest.
At the same time, UNICEF has scored Nigeria low in this regard, lamenting that a whopping 76 percent of babies between 0-6 months are denied exclusive breastfeeding. Although the exclusive breastfeeding rate in Nigeria rose to 52 percent in 2017, it dropped to 38.9 percent in 2021 due to a decline in the sustenance of the “Hospital Exclusive Breastfeeding Initiative” introduced to fast-track the rate.
The Federal Government says it is working in collaboration with development partners to achieve a 50 percent rate by 2030. As the government supports breastfeeding initiatives, it is a reminder that breast milk is the gold standard for infant nutrition. It is safe, clean, and contains immunity-boosting antibodies that shield babies from illnesses.
Breastfeeding is a crucial element in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. In spite of the economic situation, let us all take a moment to appreciate and support all nursing mothers.
By upholding the theme “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All” of the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week, we recognize that nursing mothers are not only giving babies the best possible start in life, but they are also playing a vital role in building a healthier, more sustainable future for all. Remember, breastfeeding is made easier when mothers have our support.
