Breaking: State Assembly Proposes Paternity Leave – Fathers To Get Official Time Off

Breaking: State Assembly Proposes Paternity Leave – Fathers To Get Official Time Off

The Oyo State House of Assembly has introduced a proposal to grant paternity leave to male employees in both the public and private sectors. The motion, spearheaded by Hon. Olorunpoto Rahman, aims to strengthen family bonds and provide fathers the opportunity to support their partners during the postnatal recovery period.……READ MORE 

According to Leadership, Hon. Olorunpoto emphasized that paternity leave allows fathers to play an active role in caring for their newborns, contributing to the baby’s emotional, social, and cognitive development. He argued that shared parenting responsibilities promote gender equality and create healthier family dynamics.

The lawmaker highlighted that paternity leave has already been successfully implemented in several countries and Nigerian states, including Lagos and Enugu, as well as within the Federal Civil Service. These policies, he noted, have led to increased workplace morale, improved productivity, and stronger family cohesion.

“Many countries and states have adopted paternity leave policies, and the results have been overwhelmingly positive,” Olorunpoto stated. “It not only boosts employee morale but also fosters family stability and cohesion.”

Olorunpoto further stressed that the absence of paternity leave can limit a worker’s ability to offer essential emotional and practical support to their family during the critical postnatal period.

The motion was formally presented on Thursday, February 6, 2025, by Hon. Olorunpoto Rahman, who represents the Oyo East/West State Constituency.