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The Imo State House of Assembly has urged Governor Hope Uzodinma to approve 14 days paternity leave for male public servants to enable them attend to pressing family needs.

The Lawmakers, reached the resolution following the adoption of the motion moved by the Deputy Speaker and member representing Nwangele Constituency, Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu.

Presenting the motion on the floor of the House, the Deputy Speaker, said the subject matter is very important as it will avail fathers the opportunity to get acquainted with the new born baby and also help in fostering family love and closeness.

He explained that the motion was borne out of necessity, observing that newborn babies rely strongly on bonds with parents who influence their emotional, social, environmental awareness and brain development.

Anyanwu, while highlighting the vital roles fathers play in early child’s development explained that introducing paternity leave for male officers would allow them to provide the much needed support to their wives who came out of the labour room.

“Imo State is a progressive State with a progressive Governor, who is willing to better the lot of Public/Civil Servants. Therefore, If this Motion is given the required nod, it will help to resolve a lot of marital issues. The Federal Government and some states like, Enugu, Oyo, Ondo and Lagos have implemented paternity leave policies, and it has geometrically improved Public/Civil Service morale, while strengthening family bond and unity”he expressed.

The Nwangele Lawmaker ,noted that the Federal Government had earlier in a circular issued on November 25, 2022 through the Head of Service of the Federation, Folasade Yemi-Esan approved paternity leave in the Public Service of the Federation, where he revealed that 14 working days was approved.

Deliberating on the motion which was seconded by the Chief Whip and Member Representing Oru-East Constituency, Chigozie Nwaneri, the members contributed immensely in support of the motion.

After much deliberation, the House resolved to urge Governor, Uzodinma to approve 14 working days paternity leave for males in the public, civil service.

The members also directed the clerk of the House to communicate the resolution of the House to the appropriate bodies.