CS-SUNN CALLS FOR INCREASED BUDGETARY ALLOCATION FOR NUTRITION ACTIVITIES IN BENUE STATE
State Coordinator for Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria, CS-SUNN, Mrs. Rachael Ityozunghul, has urged the Benue State Government to extend paid maternity leave for working mothers from three to six months.
Mrs Ityozunghul who made the call during an advocacy visit to the Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Security, emphasized the importance of increased budgetary allocation for nutrition activities to combat malnutrition among women and children.
She also appealed that only trained nutritionists be made nutrition desk officers in line ministries.
Represented by Mrs. Martha Akoje, Mrs.Ityozunghul explained that six-months paid maternity leave would promote exclusive breastfeeding and enable nursing mothers to focus better at work.
The state coordinator of CS-SUNN stressed that during infancy, children require extensive care, parental bonding, and proper nutrition to reduce infant mortality and enhance cognitive development.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Professor Moses Ogbaji, represented by the Covering Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Iveren Terfa, acknowledged the benefits of quality time between mothers and babies, particularly exclusive breastfeeding, which reduces the risk of breast cancer.
Mrs.Terfa assured that the message from CS-UNN would be conveyed to the Commissioner upon his return.
COV/ Ene Ohaba
