UK-based Nigerian Comedian, Don Witty, Calls For Regulation Of Care Sector
UK-Based Nigerian Comedian Advocates for Care Sector Regulation in Nigeria
LONDON — Babajide Adenuga, a Nigerian comedian and healthcare professional known as Don Witti, has called for legislative action to regulate Nigeria’s care sector and establish standardized training and certification processes for care workers.
In an interview on TVC News’ Diaspora Connect, Adenuga discussed his experiences in the UK care sector and emphasized the necessity for a structured caregiving framework in Nigeria, particularly for elderly individuals and other vulnerable populations.
Adenuga highlighted the importance of clear regulations governing care homes and workers, advocating for comprehensive documentation, training, and oversight. “The UK has legislation that regulates care, including procedures, documentation, training, and certification,” he said.
He proposed that care providers be mandated to keep thorough records related to residents, including information on meals, medications, health conditions, and treatments administered. Citing the UK’s Care Quality Commission (CQC), he noted the significance of regulatory oversight, with facilities subject to inspections and required to meet set standards.
Adenuga stressed the acute need for organized care services in Nigeria for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, individuals with dementia, and those requiring mental health support. He argued that enhancing this sector could not only create job opportunities but also provide families with professional assistance for their loved ones in need of care.
Challenging the stigma associated with care work in Nigeria, Adenuga noted that many perceive it as a low-status occupation suited for those without formal education. “Any job you can do for 40 years is not a small job,” he stated, urging a reevaluation of care work’s social standing.
He pointed out that many Nigerians with university degrees migrate to the UK, where they often work in care roles, but emphasized that this work deserves recognition rather than dismissal based on societal perceptions. “Care work is not a house job,” he asserted, highlighting that UK care workers can build careers, own homes, and enjoy benefits typical of professional employment.
Adenuga criticized negative stereotypes that position care workers at the bottom of the social hierarchy, labeling such views as misinformed. He noted that his background in International Law and Diplomacy has provided him with insights into varying cultural attitudes toward different professions.
He expressed that Nigerians often assign social status to certain jobs, while other societies may view careers like plumbing, cooking, driving, and caregiving with greater respect.
Additionally, he advocated for increased support for individuals with mental health challenges, calling for a compassionate response rather than neglect.
Balancing his healthcare career with comedy and content creation, Adenuga aims to raise awareness of social and cultural issues while entertaining his audience. He has been actively creating content since around 2012 but has focused on consistency in recent years.
Adenuga is also a co-founder of Afrovibe Somerset, a community platform dedicated to promoting African heritage and culture in the diaspora.
In a related development, Diaspora Connect reported that Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has encouraged medical professionals living abroad to consider returning to Nigeria to contribute their expertise to the nation’s healthcare system, underlining the broader role of Nigerians in the diaspora in national development.
