The Ogun State House of Assembly has passed a motion instructing the state government to encourage the exclusive breastfeeding programme in the health sector by increasing the term of maternity leave for nursing mothers in the State public service from 84 to six months.
The resolution was passed during a plenary session presided over by Speaker Olakunle Oluomo, after a motion submitted by Majority Leader Yusuf Sheriff and seconded by Minority Leader Lukman Adeleye, who sponsored the Resolution.
Adeleye began debate on the resolution by stating that the requested extension for exclusive breastfeeding, as practised in other South West States, was aimed at raising healthy infants with strong immunity and a high level of intelligence.
Adeleye claims that by recognising the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the overall health and wellbeing of infants and nursing mothers, as well as the need for a longer maternity leave, the resolution will help nursing mothers successfully breastfeed their children.
The sponsor pointed out that this would open up a channel for acknowledging the national policy that supports exclusive breastfeeding in both formal and informal work settings, and that the State should participate in the admirable initiative. Most states in the South West already provide six months of paid maternity leave.
Adeleye, in light of the focus of the 2023 Breastfeeding Week, themed: “Enabling Breastfeeding, Making a Difference For Working Parents,” complimented the efforts of stakeholders in the health sector to advocate the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding.
He urged employers of labour to prioritise breastfeeding-friendly facilities for nursing mothers and newborns and urged the government and other stakeholders to take urgent action to guarantee supportive breastfeeding surroundings.
Other lawmakers who agreed with the sponsor’s assertions included Damilola Soneye, Oluseun Adesanya, Adegoke Adeyanju, and Waliu Owode. They praised the sponsor of the resolution and said it was a good idea that would promote babies’ general health and well-being as well as nursing mothers’ ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Bolanle Ajayi, the deputy speaker, Babatunde Tella, Bisi Oyedele, Yusuf Amosun, and Sherif Yusuf all said in their speeches that the execution of the resolution will promote strong bonds between nursing mothers and their infants.
They continued by saying that it would also support healthy development, which would have a substantial impact on the babies’ general growth and well-being.
cc: Vanguard Ng
