U-reporters, youth rally to promote breastfeeding awareness in Kano

U-Reporters, supported by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), joined other youth groups in Kano on Friday to hold rallies marking World Breastfeeding Week 2025.

Speaking during the rally at Kofar Nasarawa, the team lead, Jibril Umar said the events aimed to raise awareness on the health benefits of proper breastfeeding for children.

Umar urged mothers to embrace exclusive and extended breastfeeding, stressing its importance for children’s health and development.

“Normally, 24 months is the actual duration for breastfeeding a baby. If you don’t reach that, the baby may not be very healthy. Many illnesses come because of under-breastfeeding.”

He also stressed the need for proper hygiene among mothers.

“Mothers should be well prepared for breastfeeding… Some illnesses can be transmitted from mother to child, so cleanliness is important,” he explained.

Umar called on the government to support awareness drives in all communities.

“The government should make sure breastfeeding is done properly in every community because of the health of the babies,” he said.

Also speaking, Nainatu Muhammed Adam, a U-Reporter, urged mothers to always give their babies the first milk (colostrum) after birth, noting that many women skip this important step.

The campaign took place at busy locations across Kano, including Dangi Roundabout, KSIP Roundabout, Triumph Roundabout, First Bank Roundabout (Lagos Street), Hotoro Roundabout, Government House Roundabout, Abubakar Rimi Market Gate, Kofar Gadon Kaya, Kofar Nasarawa, Gadar Lado, and Yankaba Market.