Oyo Assembly wants govt to approve paternity leave for male workers

The Oyo State House of Assembly has sought the government approval on the introduction of Paternity leave for male category of workers in the State civil service and private sector.

Its approval will enhance family bond and provide additional care for the newborn.

The motion to the effect was raised at the Plenary session presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Abiodun Fadeyi.

While moving the motion moved, a lawmaker representing Oyo East and West State Constituency, Hon. Olorunpoto Rahman, explained that a newborn child relies heavily on a strong bond with caregivers, typically parents who influence their emotional, social, and cognitive growth.

He explained further that the introduction of Paternity leave will enable fathers to support their partners during the recovery period after childbirth, thereby promoting gender equality and shared responsibility in parenting.

Hon. Olorunpoto maintained that many countries and States have adopted the policy in order to improve productivity in their Societies.

“Many countries and states have adopted Paternity leave policy, and it has helped in boosting the morale and improved productivity at the same time fostering family cohesion and stability. He revealed further that the leave is being operated at the Federal civil service as well as Lagos and Enugu States.”

The lawmakers emphasised that the absence of Paternity leave for fathers in Oyo may hinder their ability to provide necessary emotional and practical support to their families during the postnatal period.

The House however recommended that the Paternity leave duration should be a minimum of 10 working days, and will be entitled to only three times throughout the service year of all beneficiaries, while adding that such leave should be taken within the first month of childbirth or adoption in order to ensure fathers’ adequate time bond with newborns and support for the families.

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