Ogun First Lady Advocates Six Month Maternity Leave For Female Workers
Ogun State first lady, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, has advocated a six month maternity leave for female workers in the state.
She said that out of the south west’s six states, only Ogun and Osun states are yet to introduce six month maternity leave for its female civil servants.
Mrs Abiodun stated this during the flag off of the 2023 breastfeeding week held at the Itoko Primary Healthcare Centre in Abeokuta.
She promised to champion the process of introducing six month maternity leave in partnership with Ogun State government in the state.
The first lady said the existing three month maternity leave was not adequate to effectively breastfeed babies by female civil servants.
However, according to her, the proposed six month maternity leave would promote exclusive breast feeding in the formal and informal sectors.
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Meanwhile, in her remarks, Permanent Secretary, Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Olayinka Elemide appreciated the First Lady for her love and unflinching support for women, children, and the State’s health sector.
On her part, the President, Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter, and Consultant Paediatrician with Federal Medical Center, Abeokuta,
Dr. Olabisi Dedeke, said the significance of breastfeeding could not be overemphasised, noting that the practice has advantage on the health of babies and mothers, which include healing of the uterus and prevention of breast cancer.
President, Nurses and Midwives’ Association, Ogun State Chapter, Mrs. Roseline Solarin in her speech, cautioned mothers against introducing baby formulas, noting that breastfeeding fosters bonding and love between mother and child.
In their responses, two of the nursing mothers, Ajarat Jinadu and Joy Aderibigbe said nursing women deserve proper care and support, calling on the government and organisations to initiate more friendly policies and programme for the overall well-being of mothers and children.
