The Wife of the Adamawa State Governor, Her Excellency Hajiya Lami Ahmadu Fintiri, on Tuesday received a high-level delegation from UNICEF at the Government House in Yola, with a renewed commitment to improving maternal nutrition and infant health across the state.
The delegation, led by Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, emphasized the urgency of strengthening partnerships to address persistent challenges affecting nursing mothers and young children—especially in rural communities. Dr. Rafique highlighted inadequate breastfeeding practices and malnutrition as two key issues needing immediate attention.
During the meeting, UNICEF called on the Adamawa State Government to extend maternity leave for working mothers from four to six months, a policy shift it says would enable mothers to provide exclusive breastfeeding and adequate care for their newborns during the critical first six months of life.
“Exclusive breastfeeding is one of the most life-saving interventions for infants,” said Ms. Philomena Irene, a Nutrition Specialist from the UNICEF Bauchi Field Office. “It builds stronger immunity, prevents infections, and lays a foundation for lifelong health.”
In response, Hajiya Lami Fintiri pledged her unwavering support for UNICEF’s advocacy, reaffirming her commitment to promoting exclusive breastfeeding through grassroots sensitization, women-led networks, and health campaigns in Adamawa’s communities.
“A healthy start in life is not only a moral duty but a strategic investment in our future,” she said. “We must be intentional in creating environments where mothers and children can thrive.”
She assured the delegation of her resolve to engage both legislative and executive stakeholders on the proposal to extend maternity leave, aligning Adamawa’s policies with global best practices.
Also in attendance at the meeting were Hon. Neido G. Kofulto, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development; Dr. Suleiman Bashir, Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency; and the wives of the 21 Local Government Chairmen, among other dignitaries.
The meeting marks a strategic shift in maternal and child health policy in Adamawa, as the state positions itself to be a model for improved infant nutrition and maternal care in Northern Nigeria.
