In a bid to boost morale, foster family cohesion, stability and provide additional care for the newborn, the Imo State House Of Assembly has urged His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, Executive Governor of Imo State, 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 Honourable Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu.
Moving the Motion, Rt Honourable Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu, who is also the Member Representing Nwangele State Constituency, explained that the Motion was borne out of necessity. He specifically stated that newborns rely strongly and heavily on bonds with parents who influence their emotional, social, environmental bonding growth and development.
The Prolific lawmaker, while highlighting the vital role fathers play in a child’s emotional, social, environmental and cognitive growth and development stressed 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.
In his words, Rt Honourable Amara Iwuanyanwu, who is also the House Committee Chairman On Youths and Sports, Rules, Business and Public Petitions noted thus, “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”.
The Nwangele lawmaker further noted that the Federal Government had earlier in a circular issued on the 25th of November 2022 through the 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 Popular 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.
The following lawmakers supported the Motion with commendable submissions :
- 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 and satisfied with the superlative submissions of his Honourable Colleagues, the Speaker, Rt Honourable Chike Olemgbe, who presided, put it to vote and it was unanimously adopted. Thereafter, he Ruled as follows :
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.
