Kaduna state government opens baby creches for breastfeeding mothers

The Kaduna State Government has inaugurated baby creches in key government institutions to promote breastfeeding and support working mothers across the state, which will also help working mothers remain productive while ensuring their babies are well cared for

Penpushing reports that Commissioner for Health, Umma Kaltum-Ahmed, speaking at the inauguration on Wednesday explained that the initiative marked a bold step by the state government in supporting women, children’s health, and broader public health goals.

The Commissioner added that the event is part of activities to commemorate the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week, themed “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create a Sustainable Support System.”

“The theme speaks directly to what we are witnessing today, opening safe, supportive, and well-equipped baby creche facilities across our institutions’, the commissioner explained.

Penpushing further reports that Kaltum-Ahmed said the creches are located at the State Ministry of Health, Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna State University, and the State Secretariat, pointing out that these facilities are more than just rooms; they are symbols of care, inclusion, and commitment.

The Commissioner emphasised that breastfeeding should be seen as a right, not a privilege, especially in the workplace, adding that sustainable breastfeeding support must include legislation, infrastructure, awareness, and compassion.

Penpushing also reports that she said the creches were supported by the World Bank’s Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) Project, which equally funded renovations and equipment upgrades.

The Commissioner while expressing gratitude to the World Bank and other development partners for their continued support, stated that this investment is a commitment to maternal and child health, workplace dignity, and gender-sensitive governance.

Penpushing reports that she also acknowledged the contributions of the State Ministry of Budget and Planning, the Primary Health Care Board (PHCB), and long-standing partners including UNICEF, Alive and Thrive, WHO, the Gates Foundation, and others.

The Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Rabi Umar, who represented the Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe applauded the development partners for their contributions and urged other institutions to emulate the initiative.

Penpushing further reports that the Project Manager for the World Bank’s Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) project, Zainab Baru noted that the creches aimed to reduce stress for breastfeeding mothers and promote nutrition at the community level, adding that there are plans to track the impact of these facilities once they are in use.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Aishatu Abubakar, in her welcome speech described the creche project as a major milestone, pointing out that when a mother has her baby close to her work place her mind will be at peace.

“When a mother has her baby close to her at work, her productivity improves because her mind is at peace. This project has been in the pipeline for many years, and we are proud to see it become a reality,” she said, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to ensure the creches functioned effectively’, she said.

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