The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto State has directed all its aspirants and candidates seeking elective positions to stop pasting campaign posters on roundabouts and other public monuments across the state.

The directive was contained in a statement issued by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Mohammed Umar, following concerns over the defacement of newly constructed and beautified public facilities in Sokoto metropolis and surrounding areas.

Speaking through the statement, the State Chairman of the APC, Haruna S. G. Adiya, described the indiscriminate display of campaign posters on public infrastructure as irresponsible, unacceptable and contrary to the party’s commitment to environmental cleanliness and urban development.

“The government has invested significant resources in beautifying public spaces, but those efforts are being undermined by political actors who continue to paste campaign posters on these facilities,” Adiya said.

“It is therefore unacceptable for any candidate or supporter to deface these facilities with campaign posters. Such actions constitute environmental abuse, visual pollution and a clear disregard for public infrastructure.”

He stressed that political campaigns must be conducted within the law and with respect for public property, warning that the party would not tolerate actions capable of damaging its image or frustrating government efforts to improve the environment.

Adiya directed all APC candidates and their campaign organisations to remove posters already pasted on roundabouts and avoid further violations.

“Any candidate or campaign team that fails to comply with this directive will face disciplinary action in line with the party’s constitution and internal regulations. We will not hesitate to impose appropriate sanctions on anyone who disregards this order because no one is above party discipline, and the APC remains committed to promoting responsible political engagement,” Adiya said.

He also appealed to party supporters and members of the public to help protect public infrastructure by reporting cases of poster vandalism and environmental abuse to the appropriate authorities and the party’s disciplinary committee.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has called on Nigerians to strengthen support for breastfeeding by creating enabling environments for mothers at home, in communities, healthcare facilities and workplaces.

The ministry made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by its Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako, ahead of the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week.

The global event, observed annually from 1 to 7 August, will be commemorated this year under the theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”

Mr Bako said the theme highlights the need to build on proven strategies that have improved breastfeeding practices while advancing better nutrition, food security and poverty reduction.

He described breastfeeding as the foundation of lifelong health, noting that it provides optimal nutrition for infants, strengthens immunity and supports healthy brain development.

“Breastfeeding supports healthy brain development, improves child survival and contributes significantly to human capital development and national productivity,” he said.

Mr Bako added that promoting and protecting breastfeeding also reduced healthcare costs, while advancing food security and social equity.

The ministry emphasises that every mother deserves the support needed to breastfeed successfully.

“Families, healthcare providers, employers, communities and policymakers all have critical roles in ensuring that breastfeeding mothers receive adequate care, encouragement and workplace support,” he said.

Mr Bako reiterated the ministry’s recommendations on optimal infant feeding practices, including early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.

He also emphasised the introduction of appropriate complementary foods from six months, while continuing breastfeeding up to two years old or beyond.

He noted that breastmilk remained the ideal food for infants because it was safe, readily available, affordable and hygienic, while providing the first line of protection against many common childhood illnesses.

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According to him, increased breastfeeding also helps families avoid the high financial burden associated with infant formula and preventable diseases.

Mr Bako said activities lined up for the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week would be held nationwide and include a national commemoration on 3 August.

Other activities, he said, include a media conference by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, community outreach programmes among others.

He called on Nigerians to support mothers in breastfeeding according to national recommendations.

“Collective action to protect, promote and support breastfeeding is an investment in healthier children, stronger families and a more prosperous Nigeria,” Mr Bako said. (NAN)