By John Ekah, Gusau
Wife of Zamfara State Governor, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, has appealed to the governor to approve six months of paid maternity leave for all working mothers in both the public and private sectors in the North-West state.
She made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Governor at Government House, Gusau,the state capital.
According to her, granting six months of paid maternity leave is not just a policy but a gesture of love and a vital investment in the collective future of children.
“My visit to His Excellency’s office today is driven by love, compassion, and a deep desire to secure a peaceful and prosperous future for our children. That future begins with the family — the heartbeat of our society,” she said.
Hajiya Lawal noted that several governments and companies that have adopted the six-month maternity leave policy have reported improved employee retention, increased morale, and healthier babies.
“I thank His Excellency for listening with compassion and opening his heart to this conversation.
“May our meeting today mark the beginning of a transformative journey, one that sets an example for other states to follow. Let us give our women the support they deserve. Let us give our children the start they need,” she canvassed.
Appealing directly to the Governor, she said: “My love, I appeal to your good heart and vision, knowing that together we can build a brighter future.”
Earlier, the UNICEF Representative, Ms. Kulu Sanda, who represented the Chief of Field Office Sokoto, Mr. Michael Banda, said that advocating for six months of paid maternity leave for nursing mothers aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the United Nations standards, which promote the well-being of both mother and child.
“It gives time for bonding and promotes exclusive breastfeeding, which strengthens the child’s immunity, helping them grow into healthy and vibrant individuals. We are talking about the future of our children,” Banda stressed.
He emphasized that a child’s future is directly linked to their health.
“We cannot talk about the future of our children without looking at their health. Only a healthy child can secure his or her future. That’s why UNICEF fully supports this policy,” Banda said.
The Chief of Office added that mothers who have adequate time to breastfeed and take their children for routine immunizations, are in better position to support their child’s development.
“We are witnessing high rates of default in routine immunization because many mothers are struggling to balance their jobs with the responsibility of caring for their children. This policy could help address that challenge,” he noted.
In his response, Gov. Lawal commended the First Lady for her advocacy, assuring that the request would be thoroughly deliberated with the members of the State Executive Council.
“We will look into the request and come up with a workable framework. Whether it will be six months or another feasible duration, we want to ensure it’s a sustainable policy,” the Gov. emphasized.
He promised to provide feedback in the shortest possible time, stressing the importance of implementing policies that are impactful and long-lasting.
“It’s not something we want to start and then abandon halfway. I assure you that we will give this request the serious consideration it deserves and get back to you soon,” he stated.
The Governor also expressed appreciation to the delegation and development partners, including UNICEF, for their continued support and collaboration with the state government.
