Abia Approves 6-Month Maternity, 3-Week Paternity Leave to Promote Exclusive Breastfeeding

The Abia State Government has approved six months of fully paid maternity leave for nursing mothers and three weeks of paternity leave for fathers, as part of a comprehensive initiative to promote exclusive breastfeeding and strengthen family bonds.

The announcement was made by the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, during World Breastfeeding Week celebrations at the Abia State Children’s Specialist Hospital in Umuahia. She explained that the new policy is aimed at supporting early child development, encouraging family unity, and creating a conducive environment for mothers to breastfeed exclusively.

Mrs. Otti urged fathers to use their leave to support their partners at home, allowing nursing mothers to concentrate fully on caring for their newborns. She reaffirmed the state’s commitment to mother-friendly workplace policies, including the establishment of crèches in both public and private institutions.

She also unveiled a new crèche at the State High Court headquarters in Umuahia and announced another at the state secretariat in Ogurube Layout, both designed to provide safe, nurturing spaces for children. Mrs. Otti personally provided the furnishings for the high court crèche to ensure it meets high standards of comfort and care.

Speaking on the theme of this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems,” Mrs. Otti noted the link between breastfeeding and environmental sustainability, adding that supporting breastfeeding helps mitigate climate change.

Health Commissioner Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche stressed that breastfeeding is a shared societal responsibility and urged widespread support for exclusive breastfeeding, which provides all the essential nutrients a baby needs from birth.

Executive Secretary of the Abia State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Kalu Ulu Kalu, lamented the low compliance with exclusive breastfeeding despite its proven benefits. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to increasing awareness and training health workers to promote breastfeeding at the community level.