Connect with us

News

World Breastfeeding Week : Imo Govt Proposes Paternity Leave As Panacea Ro Optimal Breastfeeding

Published

on

Imo government has urged the state House of Assembly to enact laws that will grant ten days paternity leave to fathers in the state as panacea to the challenge of optimal breastfeeding.

The state’s commissioner for health, Dr Damaris Osunkwo made this known while unveiling the banner for the 2020 World Breastfeeding Week as part of activities marking the Week in Imo.

Osunkwo also urged the Assembly to increase paid maternity leave for working mothers up to six months and mandate the establishment of crèches in both private and public workplaces in the state so as to make Imo a baby friendly state.

Advertisement

READ ALSO: Imo Gov, APC Stakeholders Plotting To Take Over Edo Assembly, Speaker Raises Alarm

Speaking on the theme, ‘Support breastfeeding for a healthier planet’, the commissioner regretted that according to a recent survey, the state has infant and under-five mortality rates of 66 per 1,000 live births and 96 per 1,000 live births respectively.

She added that enacting child friendly laws would address these challenges as well as help to achieve the World Health Assembly (WHA) target of at least 50 per cent exclusive breastfeeding for 6months by year 2025 as against the current reality of 17.7 per cent.

Advertisement

” I urge the 9th Imo Assembly to create the enabling environment for child healthcare and optimal breastfeeding by enacting laws to increase paid maternity leave for working mothers to six months and include ten days paternity leave for fathers “, she said.

READ ALSO: World Drug Day: NDLEA Seizes 744kg Exhibits, Arrests 87 Suspects In Imo

The Commissioner identified benefits of optimal breastfeeding to include decrease in incidence and severity of diarrhea, lowering of respiratory infections , prevention of dental caries, malocclusion and increased intelligence.

Advertisement

Others are reducing of the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, lowering the risk of hypertension and helping with birth spacing in the case of mothers.

She however called on family members of lactating mothers to provide necessary support to them so as to reduce malnutrition and mortality among children below the age of five in the state.

” As we reflect on the state of Imo children below five years, I call on all breastfeeding mothers and their families to improve on the care practices as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Advertisement

” This will go a long way in improving child survival, growth and development “, she said.

READ ALSO: Edo 2020: Explain Edo Assembly Tussle To The World, APC Tells Obaseki

The unveiling was witnessed by permanent secretary of the ministry, Mr Anthony Igwe and the coordinator, Imo Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI), Mrs Chinyere Chukwukere alongside other management staff of the ministry.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Comments

News

Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

Published

on

Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.

Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.

He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.

Advertisement

READ ALSO: Wale Edun Opens Up After Sack

Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.

“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”

Advertisement

He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.

He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.

Watch the video here

Advertisement

 

Continue Reading

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

on

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.

‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”

‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.

‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.

‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.

‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Advertisement

READ ALSO: Egor LG Chair, Ogbemudia, Vice, Osawe Impeached

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Advertisement

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”

Advertisement

 

Continue Reading

News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

on

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

Advertisement

READ ALSO:ADC Penetrates Okpebholo’s District As Defections Strengthen Party in Edo Central

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Advertisement

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

READ ALSO:Okpebholo Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr Celebration

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

Advertisement

I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

Advertisement

 

Continue Reading

Trending