Caregivers Shine As Nigeria Celebrates International Day of Care 2025
As Nigeria joined the global community to mark the International Day of Care 2025, the theme “Strong Nations, Strong Families, Strong Workplaces” resonated deeply. The #StartWithCare campaign gained momentum, with thought leaders and everyday people sharing their stories and insights on the importance of care, writes Mary Nnah
In the midst of bustling streets, quiet homes, and busy lives, a silent revolution is taking place. Caregivers, often unseen and underappreciated, are the backbone of Nigeria’s society. They are the ones who wake up early, work tirelessly, and sacrifice their own needs for the well-being of others. As Nigeria marks the International Day of Care 2025, the spotlight is on these unsung heroes, and the theme “Strong Nations, Strong Families, Strong Workplaces” resonates deeply.
The event, organised by Caring Africa, brings together thought leaders, policymakers, and caregivers to discuss the importance of care and how to support those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.
Caring Africa, a non-profit organization, has been leading the way in promoting care and caregiving in Nigeria, and this event reflects their dedication to recognizing and valuing caregivers’ work. By emphasizing the importance of care and fostering a culture of compassion, the event seeks to spark meaningful conversations and inspire action to support caregivers and care work in Nigeria.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, delivered a keynote address at the International Day of Care celebration, themed “Strong Nations, Strong Families, Strong Workplaces.”
He emphasised that care is not just a moral imperative but the foundation of our economy and national development. “Care is not sentimental or secondary; it is the infrastructure that supports our cities and national development. It’s the backbone of our society, and without it, our economy and social structures would crumble.”
Ogunlende highlighted the importance of recognising care work and its value to society. “We often overlook the practical side of care, but when families are left without childcare, when aging parents receive no formal support, and when care work is informal and undervalued, the cost is huge. It shows up in lost productivity, gender inequality, and wasted human potential. That is a cost we can no longer afford, not as a government, and not as a people.”
He commended the creation of the Creative Council, which will help push the care agenda forward. “Care is the new oil. Not everyone will see its value immediately, but those who invest in it will reap its benefits. We need partnerships to drive this agenda forward. Government cannot do it alone; we need the private sector, civil society, and individuals to work together to build a society that values and supports care.”
Ogunlende emphasised the need for intentional action to invest in the care economy. “If we are serious about unlocking Nigeria’s full economic potential, we must invest in the care economy, one that works for every child, every caregiver, and every older adult. This is not just policy; it is personal. It touches every home, every sector, and every future. We must make it intentional because it has a direct impact on our productivity, our economy, and our society as a whole.”
He highlighted the work being done by the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development to support vulnerable populations. “We provide direct services to vulnerable people, support families, care for children, and assist the elderly. We also offer psychosocial support to help reintegrate vulnerable people into society. We manage over 15 homes and institutions, including correctional facilities and elderly care homes.”
Ogunlende emphasised the importance of collaboration and collective action. “Let’s envision a Lagos where no one is left behind, where compassion drives governance. We must honour the often unseen caregivers, mothers, fathers, social workers, volunteers, and mentors who daily carry the weight of love and responsibility for others. Every one of us has a story connected to care in some way. Let’s work together to build a society that values and supports care, and recognizes its importance to our economy and our humanity.”
In Lagos alone, the value of care work is estimated at ₦24 billion, a significant amount that highlights the need for investment in the care economy.
Blessing Adesiyan, Founder of Caring Africa and Convener of the #StartWithCare campaign, emphasized the importance of care work and its impact on the economy. “Care is what runs the economy before it even wakes up every morning. It’s the invisible, undervalued, and essential work that sustains families, homes, and communities. Think about it: before any worker leaves home, there’s a mother or father who wakes up early, walks into their child’s room, wakes them, brushes their teeth, ties their shoelaces, packs their lunch, and remembers their snacks. That’s the ripple effect of care, often unseen and unappreciated, but crucial to the functioning of our society.”
She shared a personal and poignant story about her father’s fall and subsequent hospital visit. Her experience highlights the importance of care. When her father fell ill, she had to take time off work to care for him, illustrating the often-unpaid and undervalued nature of care work
“He fell while walking, and we knew it wasn’t a normal fall. The look on his face and the way he fell told us that something was seriously wrong. We were restless all night, my husband and I, unable to shake off the feeling that something was amiss. The next morning, I had to take him to the hospital, navigating the complexities of a foreign healthcare system. The process was exhausting, but it was a labour of love. That’s what I call care work – labour done for people you love, often without recognition or income.”
She highlighted the challenges faced by caregivers in Nigeria, particularly women, and the need for support systems. “We are a country growing younger and older at the same time, and we need care everywhere. Yet, support for caregivers is almost nonexistent. Every working mother rushing through traffic to pick up her child, every father torn between a late meeting and his newborn’s cry, every nurse, teacher, or grandparent holding things together, they are the invisible backbone of our survival. But the truth is, too many are doing it alone, without structure, protection, or investment.”
Adesiyan called for policymakers, business leaders, and individuals to prioritize care. “If we want a truly prosperous Nigeria, we must start by acknowledging that care is not just personal, it’s a national priority. We need to build a nation that values its people, where families have the care and warmth they need, and companies design policies that make space for real life. Policymakers must invest in systems that make care affordable, accessible, and dignified. To business leaders here today, I urge you to lead with compassion and courage. Show that caring workplaces are productive workplaces.”
Adesiyan emphasised the need for a national care policy that recognises the value of care work and provides support for caregivers. “We need to become a nation where families have the care and warmth they need; where companies design policies that make space for real life; where government treats care as national infrastructure.”
She calls on policymakers to invest in systems that make care affordable, accessible, and dignified, and for business leaders to lead with compassion and courage.
She emphasised the importance of collective responsibility and the need to weave care into our culture. “Care is not a woman’s work; it’s the work that makes every other kind of work possible. If we can care for our people, we can care for our progress. And if we weave care into our future and culture, we can build a nation that lasts. Let’s work together to make care a national priority and create a brighter future for all Nigerians.”
Dr. Ayodele Reyna, a consultant pediatrician, warns of the risks of burnout and exhaustion faced by caregivers, particularly women. “Burnout can present in various ways, including exhaustion, acute medical conditions, increased anxiety about various things, whether it’s finances or the safety of their children or the people they are caring for,” he said.
He shed light on the significant medical risks faced by women and caregivers due to the disproportionate burden of care. “When it comes to caregiving, women often bear the brunt of the responsibility, and this can have severe consequences on their physical and mental health. In the short term, the immediate risk is burnout, which can manifest in various ways, including exhaustion, acute medical conditions, and increased anxiety about finances, safety, and the well-being of those in their care.”
Dr. Reyna elaborated on the potential long-term consequences of caregiving without adequate support. “If left unchecked, the burden of caregiving can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. Women may experience insomnia, poor sleep quality, and difficulty processing information, which can impact their ability to function effectively in their daily lives. Furthermore, the emotional toll of caregiving can also affect their relationships with family and friends, leading to social isolation and feelings of loneliness.”
However, Dr. Reyna emphasised that these challenges can be mitigated with proper care and support. “The message is clear: with provision of care, women can avoid many of these challenging medical conditions that can impact their productivity and overall well-being in the long term. By acknowledging the value of care and providing adequate support, we can help prevent burnout and promote the health and well-being of caregivers. This includes providing access to mental health resources, respite care, and social support networks.”
The Creative Care Council is working to amplify the importance of care and caregiving. Toyosi Etim Effiong, Founder/CEO of That Good Media and chair of the council, emphasised the need to recognize and acknowledge caregivers, including those in unofficial roles. “Care is gender neutral,” she said, highlighting the importance of involving men in care work.
Effiong shared her insights on her role and the council’s objectives. “As the chair of the Creative Care Council, our primary role is to amplify the importance of formalizing caregiving, recognizing and acknowledging caregivers, and even acknowledging unofficial caregiving. We want to bring attention to the often-overlooked acts of care that happen in our communities, such as omugbo, where a sister or neighbor helps with childcare. By recognizing these acts as care, we can start to build a framework for support and compensation.”
Regarding the theme “Start with Care,” Effiong explained, “The theme emphasizes that care is the foundation of everything we do. When we prioritize care, we build strong families, strong workplaces, and strong nations. If we had formalized the care sector earlier, productivity would have increased, and our societies would be different. Caregivers would have been recognized and supported, and individuals would have been able to pursue their careers without worrying about the well-being of their loved ones.”
She continued, “However, we’re starting with sensitization, raising awareness about the importance of care, and helping people understand that it’s not just about family obligations, but valuable work that deserves recognition and compensation. In many parts of the world, caregivers are recognized and compensated for their work. They understand that caregiving is labor that requires support, and that it’s not just a family responsibility, but a societal one.”
Effiong emphasised that the Creative Care Council is working to change the narrative around caregiving in Nigeria. “We’re advocating for policies that support caregivers, and we’re working with policymakers, employers, and individuals to create a system that recognizes the value of care. It’s a new conversation, and it may take time, but we’re starting with awareness and building from there. We believe that by working together, we can create a society that values and supports caregivers, and ultimately builds stronger families and communities.”
Nancy Umeh, a renowned entrepreneur and social media influencer, joined the care council to amplify the importance of care and caregivers. She suggests that social media can be used to promote care, empathy, and kindness, with more men showcasing their caregiving roles. “I need to see more men in the kitchen,” she says, highlighting the need for greater involvement of men in care work.
Umeh also shared her thoughts on what drew her attention to a particular event. “I’ve been friends with Blessing for a while now, and we’ve always been aligned in our views on care. When she reached out to me about joining the Care Council, I was intrigued. She shared some startling statistics about the state of care in Nigeria, and I was taken aback by the stark reality. We are projected to become the third most populous country in the world, yet we lack the necessary infrastructure and support systems to care for our citizens. It is staggering. As someone who has recently experienced the loss of a loved one, my father-in-law, I realised how beneficial such initiatives could have been for him. That is why I decided to join the Care Council – it’s a cause that’s very close to my heart.”
When asked how platforms like hers can be used to amplify the importance of care and caregivers, Nancy emphasised the need for awareness. “One of the key things we’ve been advocating for is to recognise that care is gender-neutral. It’s essential that men understand this, as it will help to break down the stereotypes and stigmas surrounding caregiving. If we can get more men to acknowledge that care is not just a woman’s responsibility, but rather a collective responsibility, I believe we can make significant progress. Even if it’s just spreading this message, I’m happy to be a part of it.”
As a social media influencer, Nancy was asked what kind of content she would like to see more of on social media that promotes care, empathy, and kindness. “Honestly, I want to see more men being involved in caregiving roles on social media. More vlogs of men helping with household chores, taking care of children, and sharing real-life situations. I want to see more content that showcases men being actively involved in care, not just as providers, but as caregivers themselves. Let’s see more men in the kitchen, more men doing vlogs about getting ready with their partners to take the kids to school, more men sharing their experiences as caregivers. That’s what would make me happy. It’s time we normalise men being involved in care, and social media can play a significant role in promoting this narrative.”
Nancy’s passion for promoting care and empathy is evident in her words, and her involvement in the Care Council reflects her dedication to creating positive change. As a social media influencer, she has the power to reach a wide audience, and her advocacy for men’s involvement in caregiving is a crucial step towards creating a more inclusive and supportive society.
As Nigeria celebrates the International Day of Care, it’s clear that care is not just a personal issue, but a national priority. By working together, we can build a society that values and supports caregivers and recognises the importance of care in our daily lives. The journey starts with one step, and with collective action, we can create a brighter future for all Nigerians.
