News

UNICEF Urges Women To Breastfeed Babies Within One Hour Of Birth, Warns Against Breastmilk Substitutes Usage

Published

9 months ago

August 2, 2025

The United Nations Children’s Fund has called on pregnant women in Borno State to initiate their newborns into breastmilk consumption within one hour of birth

Speaking during the flag-off event of the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week on Saturday in Maiduguri, the state capital, the UNICEF Chief of Maiduguri Field Office, Francis Busiku, stated that only 35.5 per cent of children in Nigeria were initiated to breastmilk within one hour of birth, and only 28.8 per cent were exclusively breastfed

According to him, this year’s theme, “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support System”, highlights the urgent need to prioritise actions and systems leading to equitable access to breastfeeding, especially for vulnerable women in rural and conflict-affected areas.

He said, “Only 35.5 per cent of children in Nigeria were initiated to breastmilk within one hour of birth, and only 28.8 per cent were exclusively breastfed.

“Every child born in Borno State deserves to be initiated to breastmilk within one hour of birth, exclusively, breastfed for the next six months of life and continue breastfeeding for up to two years and beyond”

Francis also warned against the use of breastmilk substitutes and unsafe water, while noting that it poses a serious health risk to infants

“The use of breastmilk substitutes and unsafe water in our communities can pose serious risks to the health of infants. It is therefore critical that the state enacts, enforces, and monitors the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes to protect children and promote breastfeeding,” he advised.

He emphasised that breast milk provides all essential nutrients infants need in the first six months and offers maximum protection against illness and supports health growth and development

The UNICEF boss further called on the Borno state government and stakeholders to strengthen maternal protection polices, increase funding support, revitalise baby-friendly initiatives and prioritise community-level nutrition interventions.

“Together, through strategic partnerships, innovative approaches, and sustained commitment, we can transform breastfeeding practices across Borno state. UNICEF remains steadfast in its support to the government and partners in this vital vision”, he concluded.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

5 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

6 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

8 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.