By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Oyo State House of Assembly has stated why the government should approve paternity leave for male workers, emphasising its importance in strengthening family bonds and ensuring better care for newborns.
During Thursday’s plenary session, Deputy Speaker Hon. Abiodun Fadeyi presided over discussions on the motion moved by Hon. Olorunpoto Rahman (Oyo East and West State Constituency).
Rahman highlighted the vital role fathers play in a child’s emotional, social, and cognitive development, stressing that paternity leave would allow them to provide much-needed support to their partners during the postpartum period.
He said, “Several nations and states, including the Federal Civil Service, Lagos, and Enugu States, have implemented paternity leave policies. These have not only improved workplace morale but also strengthened family unity.”
He further stated that granting paternity leave would promote gender equality, shared parenting responsibilities, and overall workplace productivity.
The absence of such a policy in Oyo State, he warned, could hinder fathers from offering essential emotional and practical support to their families.
The House recommended that paternity leave should last a minimum of 10 working days and be accessible up to three times during a worker’s service years.
It also suggested that the leave 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.