Oyo State Assembly advocates for paternity leave to foster family bonds

February 08, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

The Oyo State House of Assembly has made a landmark call for the introduction of paternity leave for male workers in both the public and private sectors.

This move aims to strengthen family bonds, ensure better care for newborns, and promote gender equality.

Hon. Olorunpoto Rahman, representing Oyo East and West State Constituency, presented the motion, emphasizing the importance of a strong caregiver bond for a newborn’s emotional, social, and cognitive development.

“Paternity leave would allow fathers to support their partners during the recovery period after childbirth, fostering shared responsibility in parenting,” he explained.

Rahman noted that several countries and states, including the Federal Civil Service, Lagos, and Enugu States, have successfully implemented paternity leave policies.

“These policies have not only improved workplace morale but also strengthened family unity. “Several nations and states… have implemented paternity leave policies. These have not only improved workplace morale but also strengthened family unity,” he stated.

The absence of paternity leave in Oyo State could hinder fathers from providing essential emotional and practical support to their families during the postnatal period.

To address this, the House recommended that paternity leave should last a minimum of 10 working days and be available to beneficiaries up to three times throughout their service years.

The leave should be taken within the first month of childbirth or adoption to ensure fathers have adequate time to bond with their newborns and support their families effectively.