Connect with us

News

Mothers diagnosed with COVID-19 can still breastfeed – Expert

Published

on

Dr Rose Ameh, a pediatrician, says breastfeeding mothers with the COVID-19 virus can still breastfeed their babies, because breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact are beneficial for both baby and mother.

Ameh told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja that breastfeeding offers a variety of health benefits not only to an infant but also to a young mother.

“Breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contacts are beneficial for both baby and mother as it improves babies survival, enhances brain development and reduce the risk of serious illness and death.

“These benefits substantially outweigh the risks posed by COVID-19.

“Breastfeeding helps the mother to return to her pre-pregnancy weight and reduces the risk of developing breast, ovarian and uterus cancer.

“It also lowers the risk of developing type-II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and post-menopausal osteoporosis in future.

“Coronavirus, is yet to be found in breast milk. However, if you have COVID-19, you might spread the virus to your infant through tiny droplets that spread when you talk, cough or sneeze,’’Ameh said.

She advised mothers to take precaution by limiting close face-to-face contact with infants, nor cough or sneeze directly but do that into a tissue and trash properly.

“Breast milk is important during public health emergencies, like the COVID-19 pandemic, when it may be more challenging to buy formula and other feeding supplies.

“Your breast milk is the best nutrition for your baby and can protect against many illnesses. While you are sick, you or someone else can give your baby expressed breast milk.

“If you choose to breastfeed or give expressed milk in a bottle, to help prevent spreading the virus to your baby; Wash your hands before and after touching your baby, wear a mask while nursing.

“Wash your hands before touching your breast pump or bottle parts, clean all parts after each use and let someone else in your household who is not sick give your baby your expressed breast milk.

“The outbreak of COVID-19 is a stressful time for everyone. This may be especially true for mothers who are breastfeeding and concerned about their baby’s health,’’ Ameh said.

When asked if a donor’s breast milk was safe during the pandemic, the expert noted that donor breast milk that have been screened and pasteurised can be used.

She however said that a mother’s own milk should always be the first choice as this was responsive to her and her baby’s environment.

Speaking on If a breastfeeding mother could get inoculated; Ameh stated that evidence suggested that women who were breastfeeding can be offered a COVID-19 vaccine as part of the mass vaccination programme.

“I have patients and I have seen patients who are breastfeeding and have also been vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and efficacious, always speak with your health care provider,” she advised.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

News

IPOB’s lawyer accuses Anambra govt of violating citizens’ rights, wants all arrested charged to court

Published

on

The counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has called on the Anambra State Government to either charge to court or release individuals allegedly detained for the past five weeks without trial.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Ejiofor criticized what he described as “violations of citizens’ rights,” emphasizing that the detainees have not been presented before any court or formally charged with a crime.

“Today, March 15, 2025, marks five full weeks since several citizens of Anambra State were arbitrarily arrested and detained in a private facility controlled by the state government. Shockingly, they have not been charged with any offense or brought before any court of law. This is a flagrant violation of their fundamental rights,” Ejiofor stated.

He expressed concern that the detainees were not held by the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), or the military, but instead in an undisclosed facility, without any official explanation from the government.

Ejiofor, who has previously supported the government’s security efforts, urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to ensure the rule of law is upheld.

“I have always championed active citizen participation in combating insecurity and have publicly urged the government to act against criminal elements. However, this must be done legally and transparently,” he said.

While commending the efforts of the state’s Agụnechemba security outfit, Ejiofor insisted that professionalism and adherence to due process are crucial.

He reaffirmed his support for lawful measures to combat crime but warned that arbitrary detentions could erode public trust in the government’s security strategy.

Continue Reading

News

Osun Amotekun recruits accuse Adeleke’s govt of nepotism

Published

on

The Osun State Amotekun Corps has denied allegations of nepotism in its ongoing recruitment of 1,000 cadets, following claims by some dismissed recruits that they were removed in favor of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members.

Some affected candidates, seen outside the NYSC camp venue in Osogbo, alleged they were removed due to their affiliation with the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking on behalf of the group, a dismissed cadet, Usman, claimed that they had been in camp since Sunday before being replaced by PDP members, some of whom, he alleged, were unfit for training.

However, Amotekun’s Board Chairman, retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Wale Abass, dismissed the allegations as baseless. He explained that those removed from the training camp either failed to meet the required standards or did not follow the proper recruitment process.

“The 1,000 cadets invited for training went through a rigorous selection process. They submitted applications online, underwent document verification, and passed physical fitness tests before being invited to camp,” Abass stated.

He further revealed that some unqualified individuals managed to gain access to the camp, while some selected candidates failed to meet the reporting deadline. Those with health issues were also disqualified.

Abass reaffirmed that the Amotekun Corps remains committed to fairness and impartiality in its recruitment process. He described the allegations as an attempt to create confusion and undermine the security outfit’s credibility.

Continue Reading

News

Opposition no longer safe with recruitment of Osun PDP members into Amotekun – APM

Published

on

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Osun State has raised concerns over the alleged recruitment of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the state’s Amotekun Corps, claiming it threatens the safety of opposition members.

In a statement issued on Friday, APM Chairman, Mr. Adewale Adebayo, criticized the recruitment process, alleging that non-PDP applicants were deliberately screened out. He warned that Amotekun, originally created to enhance security, was being turned into a political tool.

“We are disturbed by the protest by well-meaning Osun residents who applied but were deliberately excluded because they are not PDP members,” Adebayo stated.

He further alleged that over 1,000 PDP members had been recruited into the corps, describing it as an attempt to silence opposition voices. According to him, the recruitment exercise was merely a formality to cover up a pre-arranged selection process favoring ruling party members.

APM has called for the resignation of the Corps Commandant and Field Commandant of Amotekun, demanding an apology to the affected applicants and the people of the state. The party insisted that the security outfit must remain apolitical to maintain public trust.

Neither the Osun State Government nor the leadership of Amotekun has responded to the allegations as of the time of this report.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2017 Zox News Theme. Theme by MVP Themes, powered by WordPress.