OSOGBO, Nigeria – In a significant public health initiative, the Osun State Government has issued a powerful call to action, urging mothers and caregivers to adopt exclusive breastfeeding not only for infant health but as a critical, evidence-based strategy to reduce their own risk of breast cancer.
The appeal was made during a one-day public enlightenment meeting on breastfeeding and nutrition awareness, organized by the Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment in Osogbo on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
Beyond Infant Nutrition: A Mother’s Shield Against Cancer
Mr. Akeem Shuti, the Principal Nutrition Officer of the State Primary Health Care Development Board, delivered a compelling presentation on the dual benefits of exclusive breastfeeding. He emphasized that the practice of feeding an infant only breast milk for the first six months of life is a powerful form of maternal healthcare.
“The scientific link between breastfeeding and reduced cancer risk is profound,” Shuti explained. “During lactation, breast tissue undergoes differentiation and experiences a reduction in the total number of lifetime menstrual cycles. This lowers a woman’s cumulative exposure to hormones like estrogen, which can promote the growth of certain breast cancers. Furthermore, the process helps shed breast cells with potential DNA damage.” He noted that consistent, exclusive breastfeeding can significantly reduce a mother’s risk of both breast and ovarian cancers.
A Multifaceted Shield for Mother and Child
Shuti expanded on the extensive benefits, framing exclusive breastfeeding as a cornerstone of preventive medicine:
- For the Child: It provides perfect nutrition, boosts immunity via antibodies, prevents jaundice, and is linked to optimal brain and intellectual development. Crucially, it is associated with a lower risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- For the Mother: Beyond cancer prevention, it aids postpartum recovery, helps space pregnancies through lactational amenorrhea (a natural, though not foolproof, temporary infertility), and fosters a strong emotional bond.
Economic and Societal Benefits
Mrs. Yetunde Esan, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, represented by Mr. Gbadebo Iyanda, highlighted the often-overlooked socioeconomic advantages. “Exclusive breastfeeding is a powerful economic stabilizer for families,” she stated. “It eliminates the substantial cost of infant formula, which can consume a large portion of a household’s income. Healthier babies mean fewer medical expenses and less absenteeism from work for caring parents. For the state, a healthier, more intellectually developed generation translates to long-term societal and economic gains.”
A Sustained Commitment to Public Health
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, Mr. Eniola Odeniyi, reinforced the government’s commitment to continuous education. “This is not a one-off campaign. We are dedicated to persistent, community-level sensitization to ensure every mother and caregiver understands that exclusive breastfeeding is one of the most effective investments they can make in their child’s future and their own long-term health,” Odeniyi said.
The Osun State Government’s message is clear: embracing exclusive breastfeeding is a multifaceted public health strategy. It is an act of nurturing that simultaneously builds a healthier child, empowers a mother with lifelong health protections, and strengthens the economic resilience of the family and the state.
Report by Victor Adeoti for the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Edited by Tayo Ikujuni.
