A member of the board of Civil Society-Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), Dr Terfa Kene, has called on the Benue Government to approve the extension of maternity leave from three to six months.
Kene made the call during advocacy visits to the state Head of Service, Dr Moses Ode and the Commissioner for Education, Dr Frederick Ikyaan on Wednesday in Makurdi.
He pointed out that the aim was to enable breastfeeding mothers to exclusively breastfeed their children for six months which was the recommended duration of exclusive breastfeeding.
He disclosed that such a long period of exclusive breastfeeding could enhance the bond between mothers and their children.
He added that breastfeeding mothers in other states were already enjoying the privilege, stressing that it would the state a lot of good if followed suit.
Meanwhile, the Head of Service (HoS), Ode, commended CS-SUUN for taking up the responsibility of advocating for nutrition, adding that his office would. do her best to give the advocacy necessary support.
Ode for pledged to collaborate with CS-SUUN to enable it achieve its set objectives.
He promised to intimate Gov. Hyacinth Alia on the gains that would accrue to the state if have nutrition the desired attention.
Also, the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr Frederick Ikyaan, said that all the issues raised by the organisation bordered on the advancement of humanity, promising that the ministry would subscribe to them.
Earlier, the state Coordinator, CS-SUUN, Mrs Rachel Ityonzughul, disclosed that seven states had already approved six months maternity leave for breastfeeding mothers, stressing two other states were also awaiting approval.
Ityonzughul sued for creation of Department of Nutrition in ministries, adding that budgetary provisions should be adequately made for nutrition.
She advised the Ministry of Education to encourage students to take up career in nutrition.
The Permanent Secretary (PS), Budget and Economic Planning Commission, Mr Moses Levah, said that CS-SUUN was pushing for extension of three months maternity leave to six months as it was done at the federal level.
The PS, Service Welfare, Mr Terna Ayu, assured CS-SUUN that the extension of maternity leave from three to six months would be a reality.
