Ekiti Joins Kaduna, Approves Six Months Maternity Leave For Workers

Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State has approved six months maternity leave for female civil servants in the state.

This was announced by Fayemi’s Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, in a statement on Tuesday.

Oyebode said the approval was “in line with the administration’s determination to key into global best practices that will improve the quality of lives of the citizens.”

He said, “The new policy, which takes effect from February 1, 2020, is aimed at improving maternal health and encourage nursing mothers to observe the six months exclusive breastfeeding campaign of the United Nations Intervention Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

“The six months exclusive breastfeeding campaign is aimed at reducing to the barest minimum, infant and maternal mortality rate as well as facilitate work life balance for female workers in the state.”

Oyebode said the Fayemi administration would continue to show “strong political will towards ensuring gender inclusiveness,” adding that “This policy is one of many other frameworks in place aimed at promoting the rights of women and children.”

Meanwhile, the development is coming about nine months after Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State also approved six months maternity leave for female government workers in the state.

This is to encourage the healthy development of infants,” El-Rufai had said, adding that “Mothers in our state are also reminded that children up to age five get free medical care in our hospitals. They are entitled to free regular medical checkups in all public hospitals. Please, take advantage of this.”