Political Briefs
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NEW fathers in Enugu State are now to enjoy three weeks paternity leave. The state government amended the state civil service rules by granting three weeks leave to husbands who are civil servants whose wives put to bed, while nursing mothers are to enjoy six months maternity leave.
The policy was approved by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Before now, female workers who gave birth were entitled to three months maternity leave while their husbands were not entitled to any leave as obtained in other states of the federation.
Sam Ngwu, state commissioner for Health, who announced the new policy, said it was aimed to “strengthen the family as a social unit and also promote mother and child welfare.”
Speaking while unveiling plans to mark this year’s Breast Feeding Week in the state, Ngwu said the extension of the maternity leave would encourage nursing mothers in the state to engage in the internationally recommended four to six months exclusive breast feeding of their newborn babies.
Ngwu who was represented by Moses Otiji, permanent secretary, ministry of health, said nursing mothers should be allowed to continuously breast feed their babies anywhere they work, whether in the private or public sector.
— Aug 17, 2015 @ 01:00 GMT
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