The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on the Bauchi state government to initiate a six months paid maternity leave to working mothers in the state.

Dr Nuzhat Rafique, UNICEF’s Bauchi Chief of Field Office, stated this in a news conference in Bauchi on Tuesday to market the 2025 breastfeeding week.

According to her, the six months maternity leave would help the mothers to initiate the six months exclusive breastfeeding for their children and help in improving their health status in general.

“We really need the state government, the health system to play their roles to support the mothers.

“If the state government has a policy for six months paid maternity leave, that would play a huge role in the better nutritional status of children and initiation of exclusive six months breastfeeding for the mothers.

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“Staying with the child automatically ensures better care and hygiene of the child, making them free from diarrhea which is one of the major causes of malnutrition,” she said.

Rafique added that unless women were fully supported, it would be difficult for them to do the right things like initiate breastfeeding on time, continue exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and initiate complementary breastfeeding till 24 months.

She, however, called on the state government to also come up with breastfeeding corners for working mothers to feed their children after resumption from the six months maternity leave.

Rafique said that if mothers didn’t have a good private place to feed their children, it would be difficult for them to continue feeding by working, performing and contributing towards the state’s progress and the country at large.

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“These are the foundation for having a healthy, intelligent, productive next generation.

“There is a formula we need to promote which is one, six and 24.

“One means that the first hour of the baby must be initiated with breastfeeding, six means that a child must be exclusively breastfed for a good six months and then the initiation of complementary feeding along with the continuation of breastfeeding till 24 months,” she explained.

Earlier speaking, Mrs Philomena Irene, UNICEF’s Nutrition Specialist in Bauchi, revealed that over 15 states have extended paid maternity leave to working mothers across the country like Kebbi, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau among others.

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“We want the media to help us amplify the benefits of breast milk, the benefits of breastfeeding both to the mother, the child and even the society at large,” she said.

On his part, Mr Abubakar Sale, the Bauchi state Nutrition Officer, appreciated UNICEF for supporting the state in terms of improving the healthy living of pregnant women and children, not only on nutrition but other aspects of health.

“The government is trying its best to see to the improvement in especially exclusive breastfeeding and other nutrition indicators in the state.

“We are doing our part together with other partners and media practitioners are very important to amplify or inform the members of the society the importance of exclusive breastfeeding so that in our next survey, we will be able to improve,” he said.

Following the release of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination results on Monday, the West African Examinations Council has provided a step-by-step guide to help candidates access their results online.

To check your results, candidates are required to visit the official result portal at http://waecdirect.org and follow the instructions carefully.

Here is the step-by-step guide for checking 2025 WASSCE results.

READ ALSO:WAEC Releases 2025 WASSCE Results

Enter your 10-digit WAEC Examination Number.
(This is your 7-Digit centre number followed by your 3-digit candidate number eg. 4123456789).
For examination year < 1999, enter your 8-digit WAEC Examination Number.
(This is your 5-Digit centre number followed by your 3-digit candidate number eg. 19865001)
Enter the 4 digits of your Examination Year eg. 2002
Select the Type of Examination
Enter the e-PIN Voucher Number
Enter the Personal Identification Number (PIN) on your e-PIN
Click Submit and wait for the results window to come up

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has rewarded Super Falcons defender, Tosin Demehin, with ₦30 million and a house for her outstanding performance at the 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations.

Aiyedatiwa made this known on Monday during a civic reception in Akure, the state capital, held in honour of Ondo State indigenes who were part of the victorious Super Falcons squad at the tournament held in Morocco last month.

Alongside Demehin, the governor also gifted the team’s media officer, Mary Akinsola, and the team’s secretary, Mary Oduboku, the sum of ₦15 million each in recognition of their roles in Nigeria’s historic win.

He said, “This is a proud moment for us. Tosin Demehin has made Ondo State proud on the continental stage.

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”As a token of our appreciation, the state government is awarding her ₦30 million and a house at Sunshine Estate, Oba-Ile.”

Aiyedatiwa also described Demehin, who hails from Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, as a shining example of talent, discipline, and resilience.

“I am extremely delighted to welcome home our brave daughters. Their dedication, hard work and team spirit helped secure this victory.

“You have not only brought glory to the nation, but you have honoured Ondo State,” he added.

READ ALSO:Fintiri Gifts Super Falcons Coach N50m, House For WAFCON Victory

Aiyedatiwa praised the contributions of Akinsola and Oduboku, both of whom are also from the southern senatorial district of the state, for their key support roles in the Super Falcons’ campaign.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development and youth empowerment in the state.

He said, “We will continue to invest in young talents, create enabling environments, and provide the resources necessary for them to excel in all fields of endeavour especially sports.”

Aiyedatiwa also promised to give maximum support to the Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure to ensure quick return of the team to the nation’s premier league.

READ ALSO:JUST IN: Tinubu Confers National Honours On Super Falcons

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for honouring the Super Falcons team at the national level, noting that such gestures have far-reaching impacts on the morale of athletes across the country.

Responding, Demehin expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Governor and the people of the state for the warm reception and generous reward.

“Receiving this honour from my home state means the world to me. As a former Sunshine Queens player, I know there is massive potential in women’s football here. This support gives hope to many young girls with dreams like mine,” she said.

Demehin also called on stakeholders to rally behind the development of women’s football in the state, stressing that the growth of Nigerian football both male and female is a collective responsibility.