Just In: First Lady renames Women Affairs Creche After Mrs Gowon
The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has renamed the Ministry of Women Affairs Work Place Nursery Creche after the former First Lady, Dr. Mrs. Victoria Gowon and to be known as Dr. Mrs. Victoria Gowon National Work Place Nursery.
A press released issued by Ohaeri Osondu Joseph, Fnipr, Fcai, Special Assistant, Media, said while Making the pronouncement, the representative of the First Lady and Wife of the Vice President, Dr. Nana Kashim Shetima, the First Lady commended the Minister of Women Affairs, Barr Uju Kennedy Ohanenye and her management team for restoring the Creche which ceased operation in the last 13 years due a bomb blast at the Nigeria Police Headquarters which affected operation of the Nursery Work Place. She said “it is therefore a thing of joy that 13 years after, we are all gathered here on this occasion to commission and put the facility to use for the benefit of mothers”
Speaking further she added “this facility serves as a preparatory ground for early childhood care, educational and recreational activities for the children with the policy thrust to improve the Baby Friendly Initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Initiative of the current administration”
She also reaffirmed optimism that initiatives like the Work Place Nursery serve as a foundation for progress and a promising future for Nigeria towards improving bonding between mothers and their children, “as a mother and an advocate for a better life for families, I am passionate about championing initiatives that empower and uplift the lives of our citizens, especially our women. Establishment of a Work Place Nursery stands as a testament to this administration’s dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for working and nursing mothers”
Also speaking through his Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described the remodeling of the Work Place Nursery Creche as a landmark feat which aligns with his administration’s Renewed Hope agenda which will provide additional boost for working and nursing mothers, adding that “our children are our renewed hope for a better Nigeria and it is paramount that issues bordering on their welfare are placed on the front burner”
Earlier in her presentation, Minister of Women Affairs, Barr Uju Ohanenye stated that the Work Place Nursery is established by her Ministry to provide relief for working nursing mothers who work in the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, the Federal Secretariat office of the Head of Service and other offices around the environs., in addition to providing a preparatory infant education and recreational facilities for the children.
According to her, “aside from providing early day care services, the policy thrust is to improve the baby friendly Initiative in line with government directives and the Work Place Nursery, we have relationships with parents and our services are purely for the benefits of the child”. She also thanked the First Lady and other dignitaries including the management staff of her Ministry for making the modeling of the Creche a reality.
High point of the event was quiz competition, cultural dance by schools drawn from the FCT and goodwill messages were presented by development partners such as the UNICEF, Save the Child International, Defence and Police Officers Wives’ Association and other stakeholders.
