Abia Gov’t committed to promoting mother-friendly workplace policies -Mrs Otti
By: Imo Thomas -Umuahia.
The wife of Abia state Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti, has stated that the Government of Abia state is very much committed towards promoting mother-friendly workplace policies where raising a family will not be a burden to the workplace, but a blessing.
Mrs Otti, gave this commitment while commissioning a newly retrofitted Creche at the Ministry of Justice Umuahia on Tuesday.
She said that the commissioning of the project affirms our collective commitment to the health, well-being, and dignity of nursing mothers, children, and the workforce that powers our beloved state.
She said that as a Government they are proud to lead by example and are committed towards promoting mother friendly workplace policies that includes;
“Six months paid maternity leave for Nursing mothers, three weeks paternity leave for fathers, to support new mons and bond with their newborns.
“This commissioning is especially significant as it coincides with World Breastfeeding Week, a global observance dedicated to promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding. The theme for this year’s celebration — “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems” — is a powerful call to action. And today, through this effort, we are answering that call in a tangible and impactful way,”Mrs Otti stated.
Abia first lady, called on the public and private sectors to establish Creche facilities in the workplaces as the responsibility of supporting mothers and children must be a shared one.
“Together we can build a culture where family is not a burden to the workplace, but a blessing.
“Today’s commissioning is more than the unveiling of a building, it is a bold statement that in Abia state we are building sustainable support systems that put families first, it is a tribute to every mother balancing work and motherhood and a gift to the future of our children,”Abia first lady stressed.
Mrs Otti thanked the Chief Judge of Abia state, Justice Lilian Agbai, for her concern for the welfare of nursing mothers working in the Ministry of Justice.
She equally extended a sincere appreciation to Venerable Onyeike, the General Manager of ASOPADEC, whose financial support made the renovation works possible, adding that his commitment to development people centered projects, especially that concerning women and children is truly commendable.
It will be recalled that the Abia state House of Assembly in a bill sponsored by Hon. Umeh, member representing Umunneochi state constituency in the Abia House of Assembly has passed a bill awaiting the Governor’s assent, giving fathers paternity leave to enable them to assist their wives who delivered new babies and equally encourage bonding with the new baby.
