Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Beta Edu has enjoined Nigerian Social Workers to continue to serve as a platform to amplify diverse voices, share actionable insights and inspire collective action.
Edu made this assertion in her keynote address at the 40th Annual National Conference/Annual General Meeting of Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW) and 50th anniversary held in Osogbo, Osun State.
The event was declared open by Osun State Governor, Senator Nurudeen Jackson Ademola Adeleke, who was represented by Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi and Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children, and Social Welfare, Osun State, Ayobola Elizabeth Fadeyi Awolowo.
Edu while addressing the gathering urged the association to serve as a platform to amplify diverse voices, share actionable insights and inspire collective action.
She said that strengthening intergenerational solidarity is essential for promoting enduring wellbeing.
She said, “As we celebrate 50 years of NASoW, let us recommit to developing age-inclusive policies, bridging gaps between generations, and sharing experiences and wisdom across age groups. As Barbara Solomon, a social work pioneer, said, “The purpose of social work is to promote social change, problem-solving in human relationships, and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well-being.”
“This is a call to action. As we embark on this journey of intergenerational dialogue, we invite all stakeholders to join us in making space for multigenerational collaboration and solidarity. By fostering mutual respect and understanding across age groups, we can unlock the potential for transformative change and drive progress toward the SDGs.
“Let the Nigeria Association of Social Workers serve as a platform to amplify diverse voices, share actionable insights and inspire collective action. Together, we can bridge generational divides, craft inclusive solutions and build a more sustainable, equitable and resilient future for all. Let this be our shared commitment, a commitment to intergenerational solidarity as a cornerstone of our efforts to deliver on the promise of the SDGs by 2030”.
The Lead Paper presenter, Vice Chancellor of Adeleke University, Ede Osun State, Professor Solomon Adebola whose paper focused on “Building Resilience among Social Workers in Nigeria” was represented by the Deputy Registrar/ Director of Human Resources of the institution, Mrs Oladayo Aliu.
NASoW in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Tuesday, observed that social Workers are facing a lot of challenges in Nigeria such as absence of regulatory body, poor funding, poor implementation of related policies, lack of synergy among other professionals, lack of proper recognition and non-involvement in the scheme of things among others.
It observed that the absence of a council to regulate social work practice is undermining the progress of the profession in Nigeria.
NASoW then appeal to the federal government to constitute and inaugurate the Nigerian Council for Social Work.
The association also appeal to the governments at all levels to involve Social Workers in the formulation, execution and implementation of policies and programmes of the government.
The association observed the level of insecurity in the state and enjoined the governments at all levels to put policies, programmes and machineries in place to tackle the problems.
NASoW also urge the governments at all levels and stakeholders not to neglect boy child while promoting the right of the girl child.
