Hannah Omusi | Dovida Waterford

“I was raised to always respect my elders, care for others, and look out for my community.”

We are delighted to once again celebrate the diversity of our dedicated team during Dovida Culture Week by bringing you stories that showcase the tapestry of cultures that make up Dovida and highlight the myriad ways we all care. 

One of those voices is Hannah Omusi. Hailing from Edo State in Nigeria, Hannah lives in Waterford, where she has worked as a caregiver with Dovida for eight years. She says that her culture has shaped who she is and how she approaches care. We caught up with Hannah to find out more.  

How has your culture shaped you?

I come from Edo State in Nigeria, and my culture plays a big role in who I am today. When I was growing up, I was raised to always respect my elders, care for others, and look out for my community. To us, family isn’t just your immediate household; it’s aunties, uncles, neighbours, even family friends. That sense and feeling of community has shaped me to be the people-oriented and compassionate person I am today. 

“In my culture, care is seen as a responsibility and a form of love.”

How is care valued in your culture?

In my culture, care is seen as a responsibility and a form of love. When someone is sick or elderly, the whole family gets involved. You’ll see people cooking, cleaning, helping with personal care, praying for them, and just keeping them company. It is something that comes from the heart. 

“A smile, a kind word, or sitting down for a chat can mean a lot, and I really understand that. “

What aspects of your culture do you bring to your role?

As a caregiver here in Ireland, I bring the mindset of my homeland to my work. I don’t see the people I support as just “clients” or “patients.” I treat them with the same warmth, respect and kindness I’d give my own parents or grandparents. I take time to talk to them, to listen, not just do the tasks and leave. A smile, a kind word, or sitting down for a chat can mean a lot, and I really understand that. 

Can you share a story about an important event in your culture?

Benin City’s Igue Festival is a cultural event that means a lot to me. It’s one of the biggest festivals in Benin culture, a time when families come together to give thanks, pray for protection, and celebrate the new year. There is a lot of music, dancing, traditional attire, food everywhere, and such a strong sense of unity and community involvement. It always reminds me how powerful it is when people come together with love and care for one another. 

Discover more inspiring stories from our team by visiting our dedicated Dovida Culture Week landing page here.