The Federal Government has given its endorsement for the establishment of crèches at markets and workplaces across the country, News About Nigeria reports.
This move aims to optimise the productivity of working mothers and promote breastfeeding.
President Bola Tinubu made this announcement on Wednesday in Abuja during the inauguration of the remodelled workplace nursery (creche) by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs (FMoWA).
Represented by Dr Salma Anas, his Special Assistant on Health, President Tinubu stated that the initiative would contribute to national development.
He applauded Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the Minister of Women Affairs, for her commendable achievements within the first 100 days of her tenure. The President pledged continuous support to replicate such facilities in every state and workplace, extending the initiative to those in the informal sector.
“We will continue to support you to replicate this in every state of the federation and every workplace. This will be extended to those working in the informal sector because more women are working outside the formal sector. So, working with you and all our partners that are here, we hope to replicate and ensure we have workplace crèches for mothers working in the formal and informal sectors, as well as the marketplace,’’ he stated.
The President also commended the renaming of the centre after Victoria Gowon, wife of the former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon.
He emphasised the importance of focusing on the future of the nation, which begins with the well-being of children.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, revealed plans to upgrade the crèche to a nursery and primary school in the future.
She also expressed the intention to establish women’s and children’s hospitals across the nation, starting from the six geopolitical zones to the states.
Kennedy-Ohanenye reiterated her ministry’s commitment to empowering women, particularly in agriculture, and eliminating all forms of violence and harmful traditional practices in society.
