The Osun State government, led by Governor Ademola Adeleke, is taking steps to provide nursing mothers in government workplaces with six months of maternity leave.
This initiative aligns with World Health Organization recommendations and is supported by the Wives of Nigerian Governors Forum’s advocacy for the approval of paid maternity leave for nursing mothers.
Dr. Akindele Adekunle, the Special Adviser on Public Health to the Governor of Osun State, announced this development on Tuesday during a one-day symposium on creating a conducive breastfeeding environment for working mothers held at the Local Government Service Commission in Abere.
Dr. Akindele stated, “I’m happy to inform all our nursing mothers in our different offices that as a listening and people-loving Governor, His Excellency Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke has promised to send a bill to the House of Assembly to enact enabling laws to make maternity leave six months for nursing mothers.”
This initiative aims to enable mothers to care for their babies and encourage exclusive breastfeeding for six months, as recommended by the WHO.
He further urged all stakeholders to support the bill when it undergoes public hearings at the House of Assembly.
Dr. Akindele commended development partners for supporting health initiatives in the state and expressed gratitude to the Governor’s wife, Chief Mrs. Titilola Adeleke, who also serves as an N.E.T Ambassador, for her dedication to advocating and working with stakeholders to achieve this agenda.
Chief Mrs. Titilola Adeleke affirmed her commitment to advocating for favorable maternal policies for working mothers in the state.
She stated, “I am committed and will work tirelessly with other critical stakeholders to ensure the approval of six months paid maternity leave and other favorable maternal policies for working mothers in the state.”
