Oyo state has approved a six month maternity leave period for pregnant women and nursing mothers in its employment.
The state’s Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Daud Shangodoyin, who announced this to newsmen on Tuesday after the weekly State Executive Council Meeting in Ibadan, said approval followed a deliberation on a memorandum for the review of maternity leave from four to six months.
He also disclosed that the Council has adopted the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendation on exclusive breast-feeding.
Shangodoyin further disclosed that the six months maternity leave must commence four weeks to the expected date of delivery.
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He stated the upon resumption of work at the expiration of the leave, nursing mothers will no longer close work at 2p.m as is the current practice.
His words: “At the 38th meeting held today, we deliberated on a memorandum on the review of maternity leave for pregnant and nursing mothers in the employment of Oyo State for every motherhood and we resolved and approved as follows:
“The adoption of WHO recommendation on this matter on exclusive breast-feeding of a child.
“An upward review of maternity leave period for pregnant and nursing mothers in the employment of the state from four to six months, weekends inclusive, with full payment of salaries and other benefits.
“Also, the period of closing at 2pm for six months, upon resumption has been cancelled. The application shall be for civil and public service workers only.
“The Executive Council also approved that the leave shall commence from four weeks to the expected date of delivery and it shall be mandatory for beneficiaries to proceed for the four weeks pre-natal leave as specified in the civil service rule.
“Also, we approved that the review is for female employees of Oyo State Government only and it shall be enjoyed at most four times in her service years.”
