…to Promote Breastfeeding and Family Bonding.
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 major policy move aimed at promoting exclusive breastfeeding and enhancing child and maternal health.
The announcement was made by the state’s First Lady, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, during the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week celebration held at the Abia State Children’s Specialist Hospital, Umuahia, on Tuesday.
Mrs. Otti explained that the new policy is part of a broader strategy to improve family wellbeing, strengthen parent-child bonding, and support working parents.
“This initiative is designed not only to promote exclusive breastfeeding but also to foster harmony in homes by giving both parents the opportunity to care for their newborns,” she said.
Encouraging men to actively utilise their paternity leave, Mrs. Otti advised fathers to assist their wives with domestic responsibilities to allow nursing mothers focus on infant care.
She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to mother-friendly workplace policies, including the establishment of creches in public and private institutions. While unveiling a newly built creche at the Abia State High Court, the governor’s wife disclosed that she personally furnished and equipped the facility to ensure a safe, nurturing environment for children. She also revealed that another creche at the state secretariat in Ogurube Layout is nearing completion.
Highlighting the significance of breastfeeding, Mrs. Otti described it as a natural and powerful tool for improving both infant and maternal health.
“Breastfeeding is nature’s way of giving optimal nutrition and care to children. It plays a vital role in both the health of the baby and the mother,” she said.
She added that this year’s World Breastfeeding Week is themed “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems”, with an emphasis on environmental sustainability and climate change.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, described breastfeeding as a collective responsibility and stressed that breast milk alone provides all essential nutrients for infants in their first six months.
The Executive Secretary of the Abia State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Kalu Ulu Kalu, expressed concern that despite widespread awareness, many mothers still do not embrace exclusive breastfeeding.
“It’s disheartening that despite the numerous benefits of breast milk and breastfeeding, many mothers still do not embrace this initiative and best child survival strategy,” he said.
He added that the state is intensifying efforts through training and community outreach to promote breastfeeding awareness across all localities.