The NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW), under the aegis of Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), in conjunction with Alive & Thrive and the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), has established a crèche at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital in order to encourage an enabling working environment for women in corporate organizations.
Mrs. Funmilayo Arowoogun, President, NNEW while giving her welcome address identified the crèche centre as a pilot project which would be replicated in any organization that is willing to come on board.
According to her, “We understand what it means to be a breast-feeding, working mother and we cannot underestimate the level of productivity a mum who is at peace that her child is cared for, can give to an organization.”
Dr. Mrs. Ibironke Showande, who represented the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwoolu; noted that the centre in LASUTH, being the first of the three under the pilot initiative, pointed out that project has been designed to encourage nursing mothers to breast feed babies exclusively for the stipulated six months to help reduce morbidity rate and strengthen the immune system of both the mother and the baby.
While encouraging corporate organizations to emulate the laudable project, she pointed out that the collective effort which should involve husbands, employers and family members would make it easier to grow healthy babies in Lagos State and Nigeria at large.
In his own speech, Mr. Victor Ogodo, Project Director Alive & Thrive, noted that exclusively breastfeeding babies would help in fostering mother-child bonding and it should be taken seriously by any organization.
While encouraging the adoption of the crèche project in organizations, he said, “it’s a win-win situation for employers and employees as the benefits are too numerous to be ignored.”
Prof. Adetokunbo O. Fabamwo, the Chief Medical Director of LASUTH applauded the effort of the NNEW and said “statistics have shown that 42.3% of women make up the work force hence, the effort of women should be praised and applauded.
Therefore, it is important to look out for their wellbeing while at work, so that they can focus and give their best.” He thanked NNEM, NECA and ARD for their initiative and contributions towards the establishment of the facility.
Personalities present at the opening include the Management team of LASUTH, representative of the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty, Director of NECA, Dr. Timothy Olawale among others.
