By Ikenna Samuelson
In a bid to foster family cohesion, stability and provide additional care for the newborn, the Imo State House Of Assembly has urged Governor Hope Uzodimma to approve the introduction of paternity leave for male officers in the State Public/Civil Service.
This was the outcome of the Motion, during Plenary on Thursday 20th February 2025, Chiefly sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon. Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu.
Moving the Motion, Rt Hon. Iwuanyanwu, who is also the Member Representing Nwangele State Constituency, explained that it was borne out of necessity. He stated that newborns rely heavily on bonds with parents who influence their emotional, social, environmental bonding, growth and development.
He highlighted the vital role fathers play in a child’s emotional, social, environmental, cognitive growth and development. He, also, stressed that introducing paternity leave for male officers would allow them to provide the much needed support for their wives who came out of the labour room.
His words: “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”.
Iwuanyanwu further noted that the Federal Government had, earlier, in a circular issued on the 25th of November, 2022, through the immediate past Head of Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan approved paternity leave in the Public Service of the Federation, noting that 14 working days was approved.
The Motion which was seconded by the Chief Whip And Member Representing Oru-East State Constituency, Hon Chigozie Nwaneri, was co-sponsored by the following lawmakers :
* Hon Kanayo Onyemaechi.
- Hon Chigozie Nwaneri.
- Hon Johnleoba Iheoha.
* Hon Okey Ernest Udeze.
- Hon Chisom Ojukwu.
- Hon Obinna Ambrose Egu.
- Hon Innocent Ikechukwu Ikpamezie.
Other lawmakers who supported the Motion with commendable submissions are:
▪︎Hon Kanayo Onyemaechi, Majority Leader (Owerri-west).
▪︎Hon Chigozie Nwaneri, Chief Whip (Oru-East).
▪︎Hon Barrister Chisom Ojukwu, (Nkwerre).
▪︎Hon Okey Ernest Udeze (Ideato-North).
▪︎Hon Prince Obinna Ambrose Egu, PhD (Ngor/Okpala).
▪︎Hon Sam Ikechukwu Osuji (Isiala Mbano).
▪︎Rt Honourable Barrister Kennedy Chidozie Ibeh (Obowo).
▪︎Hon Dr Uzoma Francis Osuoha (Ohaji-Egbema).
▪︎Hon Engr Gilbert Chiedozie Nwosu, FNSE (Oguta).
▪︎Hon Chief James Uba Esile (Onuimo).
Impressed by the submissions of his Colleagues, the Speaker, Rt Honourable Chike Olemgbe, who presided, put it to vote and it was unanimously adopted. Thereafter, he Ruled as follows :
“Be it resolved by this Honourable House to urge the Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma to approve the introduction of 14 working days Paternity Leave Policy in the Imo State Public/Civil Service and subsequently, direct the Head Of Service of the State to issue a circular to that effect.”
The Clerk was directed to communicate the Resolution of the House to the Appropriate Quarters.
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