The Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW), has implored the three tiers of government- Federal, States and Local Governments to involve trained and practising Social Workers in delivery of Social Services issues in the country.
The association which is the umbrella body of all Social Workers in the country informed that this will help to ensure that sufficient qualified Social Work personnel are recruited for effective social service delivery across the country.
National President of the association, Comrade Nathaniel Kolawole Olawale stated these during the event marking the 2017 Social Work Day at the conference room of Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development on Tuesday in Abuja.
Every 21 March is dedicated to celebrate Social Work day globally and Nigeria is no exemption.
Olawale who said he was glad that Social Work is gradually gaining recognition and desired attention, however said the professionals in the field must be empowered through legislation in discharge of their duties.
“I therefore call on the three tiers of government to always involve Social Workers in social services issues and ensure that sufficient qualified Social Work personnel are recruited for effective social service delivery.
“It is in view of this that I am calling on all our highly revered distinguished Senators at the upper chamber of the national assembly to kindly expedite action on the passage of the ‘Bill on professionalization of Social Work’ presently at the senate.
“I am exceedingly glad to address you today as we celebrate year 2017 World Social Work day. My joy is borne out of the fact that Social Work profession which was relatively unknown in Nigeria before now is gradually gaining recognition and desired attention in the country.
“The theme for this year celebration is ‘Promoting Community and Environment Sustainability’. I consider the theme apt because the major concern of social work is all about welfare.
“The environment is so important because everything that supports the survival of human beings is dependent on it. It is simply the house of mankind, making it the important aspect in life. Wellness of the environment directly relates to the wellness and health in human beings and other species. Hence there is the need to sustain it by protecting it. Any harmful alteration to the environment brings adverse impact across all species.
While stressing the importance of Social Work profession, Olawale posited that professionals in the field should be engaged in managing the social problems bedevilled the country.
“Let me repeat for umpteenth time that the importance of Social Work services cannot be over emphasized. There is no doubt that the country is bedevilled with various social vices ranging from terrorism to corruption, bribery, cultism, rioting, drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, prostitution, kidnapping, political brigandry, child abuse, nepotism, tribalism, marital conflict, thuggery and hooliganism to mention but few.
“At the forefront of preventing and combating as the case may be these menace are the Social Workers who are specially trained for these functions. There is therefore no doubt that Social Workers must be empowered through legislation to be able to discharge their functions effectively.
He seized the opportunity to felicitate with President Muhammadu Buhari on his return from his medical trip in London.
“The entire Social Work force in Nigeria wish to seize this opportunity to felicitate with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander in Chief of the Nigeria Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR), on his successful health trip to the United Kingdom and safe return back to the country. May Allah continue to grant him good health.
Olawale then commended the President on his anti-corruption campaign as he pledged the support of the association for the present administration’s desire to effect the needed changes in our national life.
“I wish to state unequivocally that we commend your giant stride at eliminating corruption in Nigeria and are willing to support your administration in the areas of social services delivery.
He called on his colleagues to adhere to the ethics of the profession in discharge of their professional duties.
“Let me also seize this opportunity to remind all my colleagues in the country and diaspora that strict adherence to our code of conduct and ethics in the discharge of our duties must not be mortgaged for any reason.
