The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) on Monday, April 14, 2025, received commendation from Mrs. Toyin Adewale-Gabriel, FHI 360’s Alive and Thrive Project Coordinator, for its sustained efforts in promoting maternal and child welfare through its daycare initiative
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Mrs. Adewale-Gabriel, who visited the NAWOJ Lagos Daycare Centre located at the Radio Lagos Office Complex in Ikeja, was joined by Mr. Adeniyi Adeyanju, Executive Secretary of the Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW), a key partner in the project. The visit formed part of a nationwide assessment tour of crèches supported under the Alive and Thrive initiative aimed at advancing workplace breastfeeding support.
During a guided tour of the facility, Mrs. Adewale-Gabriel described the creche as “a model of sustainability and commitment,” praising the leadership of Dr. Adeola Ekine, Chairperson of NAWOJ Lagos, for nurturing the project from its inception in 2021.
“It is heartwarming to see a project that began four years ago still thriving,” she said. “The NAWOJ Lagos daycare stands as a beacon of hope and support for working mothers. Dr. Ekine’s dedication is truly inspiring.”
She emphasized that the initiative reflects FHI 360’s broader goal of supporting maternal and child nutrition through enabling environments at the workplace.
In her response, Dr. Ekine expressed gratitude for the visit and ongoing support from NNEW and FHI 360, reaffirming NAWOJ’s commitment to helping women balance work and family life. She also called for expanded partnerships to replicate the daycare model across Lagos State.
Mr. Adeyanju applauded the resilience and innovation of NAWOJ Lagos in sustaining the project beyond its pilot phase, stressing that leadership and institutional buy-in are critical to successful developmental programs.
Since its launch in 2021, the NAWOJ Lagos Daycare Centre has served numerous breastfeeding mothers working in nearby organisations, enabling them to remain productive while providing care for their infants in a safe, professional setting.
The visit concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to deepen collaboration and create more inclusive, family-friendly workspaces for women across sectors.
