By Joan Nwagwu
The First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, has inaugurated Mrs Victoria Gowon Work Place Nursery (Creche)) to bring relief and improve the lives of working and nursing mothers.
The project, unveiled on Tuesday in Abuja, is an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Development.
Represented by Mrs Nana Shettima, Wife of the Vice President, Tinubu said that the project represented a significant milestone and the commitment of the Federal Government to support working and nursing mothers.
She said that the facility was put in place to bring relief to working mothers and their families and also a comfortable environment for children to grow.
“So, we are all gatherer here, on this occasion to commission and open the facility to use for the benefit of mothers.
“This facility will serve as a preparatory ground for early child education and recreational activities for the children.
“It will also ensure that the policy trust of the baby friendly initiative of the Federal Government under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration is achieved,’’ she said.
The first lady said that the inauguration was a testimony to the present administration’s commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for working and nursing mothers.
Tinubu said that the facility was earlier unveiled in April, 2001, but ceased operation.
She added that the operation of the Work Place Nursery (Creche) was stalled over 13 years ago.
“We happy to occasion to commission and open the facility to use for the benefit of mothers,” she said.
She commended the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kenddy- Ohanenye, for her supportive role in ensuring the facility was resuscitated.
Tinubu urged the working mothers not to be deterred, rather be dedicated as the Work Place Nursery (creche) initiative would serve as a foundation for progress.
She added that it would also serve as a promising future for the nation towards improving bounding between mothers and children.
The first lady called on all to work together in supporting, empowering and uplifting one another for more equitable society.
In her remarks, Nkiru Maduecheasi, Child Protection Specialist, Justice for Child, UNICEF said the project demonstrated the rights of children right from the cradle when they were born.
“That is their right to breastfeeding their right to breastfeeding their rights to care of their parents.
“We also wish this initiative should be replicated in all the states in Nigeria as this will ensure that children are receiving their maternal care,” she said.
Maduecheasi commended the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs for the initiatives to promote and sustain the rights of children in Nigeria.(NAN)
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