The Minority Leader of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Lukman Olalekan Adeleye says he moved a motion to implement six months maternity leave for public servants to promote exclusive breastfeeding.
He said the resolution which was co- sponsored by Soneye Kayode, Oluseun Adesanya, Adegoke Adeyanju, Owode Waliu and Tella Babatunde was read on the floor of the Assembly on Thursday.
Hon Adeleye while pushing forward the resolution explained that, since exclusive breastfeeding was important to the health and well being of infants, it was necessary to make the process easy for both mother and child.
According to him, "the crucial role of exclusive breastfeeding in the health and well-being of infants and nursing mothers can not be underestimated thus the need for an extended period of maternity leave to enable nursing mothers to breastfeed their babies effectively.
Adeleye while acknowledging the existing national policy that supports exclusive breastfeeding in both formal and informal work environments, noted that most states in the South West are already enjoying six months maternity leave while Ogun State is left behind.
The minority leader, appreciated the efforts of stakeholders in the Health Sector in championing the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding in line with the focus of the 2023 Breastfeeding Week, themed: “Enabling Breastfeeding, Making a Difference For Working Parents.
He urged the Ogun State House of Assembly to call on the State Government to implement six months maternity leave for all Public Servants in the State as done in other South Western States.
Adeleye said "the resolution is passed in celebration of the 2023 Breastfeeding Week, and it is aimed at reinforcing the significance of exclusive breastfeeding in promoting the health and well-being of infants and nursing mothers.
He stated that the extended maternity leave aims to enhance the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding in both formal and informal sectors while government and all stakeholders should take decisive actions to ensure supportive breastfeeding environments.
Adeleye urged employers of labour to prioritize breastfeeding-friendly facilities for nursing mothers and babies, urging the State Government to collaborate with relevant organizations, to sustain educational campaigns on exclusive breastfeeding through radio and television stations, as well as community-based mobilizers.
According to him, the State Government should also encourage various Medical Associations, and other healthcare Professionals in the State to continue promoting the significance of breastfeeding in the health of babies and mothers as well as to foster bonding and love between mother and child, while discouraging the introduction of baby formulas.
