The Abia State Government has approved six months of paid maternity leave for nursing mothers and three weeks of paternity leave for fathers, in a landmark move to support family welfare and promote exclusive breastfeeding.
The announcement was made by the First Lady of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, during the World Breastfeeding Week celebration held on Tuesday at the Abia State Children’s Specialist Hospital, Umuahia.
According to Mrs. Otti, the policy is designed to strengthen child health, enhance family bonding, and promote harmony in homes by allowing both parents time to care for their newborns.
She urged fathers to utilize their leave to assist their wives with household duties, thereby allowing nursing mothers to focus on their babies’ care.
As part of the state’s family-friendly agenda, Mrs. Otti unveiled a newly built creche at the Abia State High Court, personally furnished and equipped to provide a safe environment for infants. She also revealed that another creche at the state secretariat in Ogurube Layout is nearing completion.
Speaking on the week’s theme, “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems,” the First Lady emphasized the environmental and health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, calling it “nature’s way of giving optimal nutrition and care to children.”
Also at the event, Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, described breastfeeding as a collective responsibility, stressing that breast milk contains all essential nutrients a baby requires in early life.
Dr. Kalu Ulu Kalu, Executive Secretary of the Abia State Primary Health Care Development Agency, raised concerns over low adoption rates of exclusive breastfeeding despite its many proven benefits. He noted that the state continues to invest in community outreach and training to raise awareness.
The new leave policy and supportive infrastructure underscore Abia’s commitment to advancing maternal and child health in line with global best practices.
