Stakeholders at the Caring Africa Summit held in Lagos have highlighted the need to champion a care revolution across the continent. At the summit which fostered productive conversations, and shared valuable insights vital for policy reforms in the nationwide care industry, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mother Honestly Creator of Caring Africa, Blessing Adesiyan, stated that the amount of attention paid to care in Nigeria was dismal, and the summit served as a platform to boost societal awareness on the importance of care.
“We are raising the awareness on the value of care, not just in our homes, but also in our workplaces and in society. Here in Nigeria, we find that we are not paying enough attention to care; I’m talking about child care, care for elderly people, care for people with disabilities, people that are ill. How do we make sure that they also have a path to dignity and respect? That is what today is about. It is really about care as an engine for our economy.”
She called on investors and key stakeholders to play their role in improving care across the continent, as a tool for driving massive societal reform. “When we invest in those people, and those facets of our society, we can actually double the GDP of our economy. This is a time to invest.
Speaking on the role of the public sector in address Care industry, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth & Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende; Director, Medical Services & Disease Control, Dr Adenike Oluwo; General Manager, Lagos State Residents Registration Agency, Engr. Ibilola Kasunmu; and the General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal all harped on government’s commitment to seek change in its workforce and improve productivity with focus on the care industry.
On childcare, Project Manager, Social Sustainability for Nigerian Breweries, Emete Tonukari, reiterated that the positive ripple effects from a proper investment in the care industry were endless.
“If parents know that their children are really being cared for, then they can be fully focused at work. “When this happens, it gives parents the ability to focus on work, without thinking of the safety or the well-being of their children. And this in the long run, increases their productivity, which will reflect in the performance of the organization.”
While founder of August Secrets Limited, Toyin Onigbanjo, stated that Caring Africa was playing an integral role in redefining the care industry, given its vital role in overall economic growth.
