Nigeria joins global community to celebrate International Day of Care and Support
Nigeria will join the global community in commemorating the International Day of Care and Support on October 29, as proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly.
In response, Caring Africa has launched #StartWithCare, a nationwide activation calling for urgent recognition of care as the foundation of strong families, resilient economies, and inclusive national development.
Under the theme “Strong Families, Workplaces, Nations — Start with Care,” the campaign brings together policymakers, employers, care workers, civil society, and the public to spotlight the often-invisible labour of caregiving—both paid and unpaid—and to drive meaningful investment in Nigeria’s care infrastructure.
“The campaign arrives at a pivotal moment,” said Blessing Adesiyan, Founder of Caring Africa. “This is not just about recognizing care; it’s about redesigning our systems around it. From child and elder care to paid family leave and domestic work protections, we must treat care as infrastructure.”
As part of the #StartWithCare movement, Nigeria is rolling out a series of groundbreaking initiatives including the launch of the Creative Care Council, a collective of visionaries and storytellers reimagining the narrative of care through culture, media, and the arts; the premiere of “Strong Nations Start with Care,” a moving documentary exploring caregiving experiences across Nigeria; the debut of the Caring Blocks digital platform connecting Nigerians to trusted childcare, eldercare, and community services; and the StartWithCare Roundtable, convening policymakers, corporate leaders, and grassroots voices to discuss care as a driver of economic growth and gender equity.
The campaign will also honor 10 exemplary employers through the Caring Workplace Awards, recognising organisations leading the way in paid leave, childcare support, and family-friendly work policies.
Among this year’s honorees include Providus Bank, Bank Of Industry, Interswitch, MTN, Nigerian Breweries and many others, celebrated for their leadership in promoting inclusive, care-centered workplace practices.
Nigeria’s growing population, shifting family structures, and widening gender gaps make the need for a national care agenda increasingly urgent.
The United Nations and International Labour Organisation have warned that deficits in care policy and infrastructure deepen inequality and weaken economic growth if left unaddressed. Data shows that women in Nigeria perform over 75 percent of all unpaid care work, while 70 percent of domestic and care workers operate in informal employment without protection or benefits. Globally, over 2.1 billion people rely on care, yet the sector remains underfunded, undervalued, and unequally distributed.
“Strong families don’t just happen. They start with care,” said Commissioner Mobolaji Ogunlende, Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development. “It’s time to center caregivers, mothers, fathers, workers, and communities in how we design economies, workplaces, and futures.”
Caring Africa and its partners, including the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Lagos State Residents Registration Agency, Lagos State Safety Commission, BellaNaija, Leading Ladies Africa, Gatefield, WIMBIZ, WILAN, WISCAR, and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum—are calling on leaders across sectors to advance states and national care policy, recognize and value unpaid care work, invest in family-friendly workplaces, and formalize protections for care workers.
The flagship event, Strong Families, Workplaces, Nations — Start with Care, will take place on October 29, 2025, at Capital Club, Lagos, beginning at 3:00 PM, with a cocktail reception to follow. Media and partners are invited to attend this landmark celebration of care leadership and innovation.
Caring Africa invites institutions, media, and individuals to amplify the message of care by engaging with the #StartWithCare social toolkit, participating in campaign events, and sharing stories of care from their communities.
