By Stella Oko-Esene
Hundreds of pregnant women and nursing mothers have participated in the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week celebration in Ukanafun, organised by the Ibom Open Maternity Project to promote maternal and child healthcare.
The event which took place at the Primary Health Care Center, Ikot Akpa Nkuk, featured the distribution of baby essentials, food items, cash gifts and medical supplies to the women. Health officials and representatives of implementing partners took turns to take participants through nutritional and counseling sessions on the benefits of breastfeeding.
Addressing the women and stakeholders, the Coordinator of the office of the First Lady and Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Golden Initiative for All, GIFA, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, reiterated the commitment of GIFA to programmes targeted at the well being of members of the family.
Represented by the Special Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Hon. Ann Abraham, Lady Obareki commended the commitment of the Local Government Council Chairman and wife to the successful hosting of the project in Ukanafun, urging the remaining six LG council to emulate the enthusiasm reflected in the massive mobilization of women to participate in the programme.
The wife of the chairman of Ukanafun, Mrs Mmokut Ukpanah encouraged the women to adhere to the life-saving benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, reaffirming the commitment of the LG Chairman’s interest in championing policies that prioritize the well being of families.
At the event, GIFA branded mama kit bags were presented to some pregnant women, selected from different wards, while the Chairman’s wife, the PHC Director in Ukanafun and a member of the IOM project team, Dr Ofonmbuk Eyoren, took turns to present gifts to mothers with very healthy babies fed exclusively and mothers of multiple birth children, among others.