The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has stated that social workers play an essential role in the nation’s development and humanitarian response framework.
Professor Yilwatda made this statement on Wednesday during his goodwill message at the opening of the 39th Annual National Conference and General Meeting of the Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW), held at the Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture in Area 10, Garki, Abuja.
Represented by Mr. Peter Audu, the Deputy Director overseeing the office of the Director of Social Development in the ministry, the Minister expressed that this gathering serves as a crucial platform for reflection, collaboration, and advancement in the field of social work in Nigeria.
He emphasized that social workers play an indispensable role in the nation’s development and humanitarian response efforts, asserting that the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction recognizes the essential partnership with social workers in implementing sustainable solutions to humanitarian crises and poverty reduction.
“It gives me great pleasure to deliver this goodwill message at the auspicious occasion of the 39th Annual Conference and General Meeting of the Nigeria Association of Social Workers,” he said. “This gathering represents a crucial platform for reflection, collaboration, and advancement in the field of social work in Nigeria. As you are aware, social workers play an indispensable role in our nation’s development and humanitarian response framework. Your dedication to serving vulnerable populations, promoting social justice, and strengthening communities has never been more vital than in these challenging times.”
The theme of this year’s conference, “Partnerships for Professional Social Work in Nigeria: Leveraging the Social Work Act and Development Partners for Impact,” is particularly relevant as we face unprecedented social challenges in our country. The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction acknowledges the essential collaboration with social workers in fulfilling our mandate to provide sustainable solutions to humanitarian crises and poverty reduction.
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“As we gather here today, I wish to reaffirm the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening the social work profession in Nigeria. We recognize the need for continued professional development, improved working conditions, and enhanced recognition of social workers’ contributions to national development. I encourage all participants to actively engage in discussions, share experiences, and forge new partnerships that will advance the practice of social work in Nigeria. The knowledge and insights gained from this conference should translate into improved service delivery to our communities.”
“Let me assure you that the Ministry remains committed to supporting the Association’s initiatives and working collaboratively to address the social challenges facing our nation. Together, we can build a more equitable and resilient society. Thank you for your attention, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
In his welcome address, NASoW National President, Alhaji Mashood Mustapha, called upon the federal government to refer to the Nigerian Council for Social Work (Establishment) Act and to constitute and inaugurate the long-awaited Nigerian Council for Social Work.
He stated that the constitution and inauguration of the council will help enhance the profession’s image and address various vulnerabilities affecting children, families, and communities.
“Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues, and fellow social workers, it is my great honor to welcome you all to our Annual General Meeting, convened under the theme ‘Partnership for Professional Social Work: Leveraging the Social Work Act and Development Partners for Impact.’ Today, we gather as a community of professionals united by our commitment to promoting social justice, human rights, and the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. This year’s theme is both timely and significant, reflecting our collective recognition that the future of social work in Nigeria relies on collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships that amplify our impact.”
“The Social Work Act, a milestone achievement for our profession, serves as a foundation for establishing standards and best practices that elevate our services and reinforce our commitment to ethical and effective social work. The theme calls upon us to explore how we can harness this legislative framework alongside the support of development partners to strengthen our work and expand our reach. Partnerships are the lifeblood of progress; they enable us to pool resources, share knowledge, and implement innovative approaches that address the multifaceted challenges facing our society.”
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