UNICEF Communication Officer in Enugu, Dr.Ijeoma Ogwe and UNICEF Nutrition Specialist, Dr Ngozi Onuorah, interfacing with Enugu commercial drivers on how to encourage women adapt to exclusive breastfeeding.
From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
As part of events to mark the 2026 World Breastfeeding week, August 1-7th, many commercial drivers operating under the aegis of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Enugu State Chapter, have been adopted as UNICEF ambassadors to enhance the advocacy for exclusive breastfeeding by nursing mothers in the state and beyond..
The commercial mini- buses plying Enugu metropolis now carry banners branded with UNIICEF messages on breastfeeding at the back of their vehicles.
Some of the messages read, “Breastfeeding is more than feeding a child. It promotes healthy brains, strong bodies and brighter future”.
The partnership was recently sealed aftermath of an interactive session between UNICEF officials and the drivers.
The interface took place at New Haven primary school, Chime avenue, Enugu,on Tuesday,August 4, 2026, as part of events outlined by UNICEF Field Office in the state to mark the 2026 World breastfeeding week.
Mrs Juliet Chiluwe,Chief of UNIICEF Field Office Enugu, told the drivers that by displaying breastfeeding advocacy messages in their vehicles, they have become moving ambassadors for child survival and development.
She said that every passenger who reads the messages is reminded that breastfeeding gives every child the healthiest start in Life.
f “Breastfeeding is one of the most effective Investments in a child’s future It provides babies with the best possible nutrition, strengthens their immune systems, supports healthy brain development, and significantly reduces the risk of illness and malnutrition. It also benefits mothers by improving their health and strengthening the bond between mother and child.
“However, protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding is not the responsibility of mothers alone. It requires the committment of Families, Communities,Employers, health workers, policymakers and indeed every member of society. This is why today’s partnership with the transport sector is so significant,” part of the address read on her behalf, stated.
In her speech, UNIICEF Nutrition Specialist, Dr.Ngozi Onuorah, urged the drivers to ensure that nursing mothers are giving best of cares whenever they board their vehicles and to encourage them to breastfeed their babies while on transit,if the baby demands.
She also urged them to create breastfeeding friendly environments in their various parks as an encouragement to nursing mothers in promoting healthier growth.
The Enugu State Nutrition Officer,Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Mrs Loveth Onwuzulike, appealed to the Commercial drivers in as much as they are being involved in the advocacy of breastfeeding, they should imbibe the culture of exclusive breast feeding in their homes,by providing for their nursing wives.
She cautioned that the breast milk is exclusive reserve of the new born and urged the men to stay away from it throughout the period.
