Int’l Social Work Day: Social workers call for tolerance, peaceful co-existence in Nigerian communities
Ayodele Olalere
The Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW), Lagos State Chapter, has called on Nigerians to exhibit tolerance and peaceful co-existence in Nigeria communities.
Chairperson of the chapter, Ms Morayo Olubunmi Lamilisa, made the statement, on Thursday, in a release signed by the Public Relations Officer of the association, Tessy Ozobialu to celebrate this year’s International Social Workers’ Day.
She maintained that the theme of this year’s celebration “Respecting diversity through joint social action”, is apt and appropriate, especially, considering what is happening in virtually all communities in the country.
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She said as a result of this, her association as the umbrella professional body of all recognized social workers in Nigeria, and also an affiliate member of International Federation of Social Workers (IFSN), is joining other social workers in the world to observe and celebrate 2023 International Workers Day and call for tolerance and peaceful co-existence in our communities.
“Despite the oneness being promoted by all the tiers of governments in Nigerian communities, cases of religious killings, ethnic cleansing, cult clashes and hooliganism are witnessed in most parts, due to high level of intolerance occasioned by no respect for cultural diversities and divergent opinions/ beliefs, feeling of superiority of one’s ideas and religious beliefs to others,” she said.
The chairperson recalled that the oneness that Nigeria was enjoying in the early 1970s is now elusive as the country now witness destruction of lives and properties, serious conflicts leading to physical assaults and serious threats to the national unity and economic stability.
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“We are using this medium to implore all and sundry to resist all forms of divisive tendencies agents and campaigns in our communities, shun all forms of killings/jungle justice, maiming and hatred in order to reposition Nigeria better in comity of nations.
“We must encourage inter-tribal marriage, peaceful co-existence and respect for others’ opinions”, she added.
Part of the activities to mark this year’s celebration includes media appearances to enlighten Nigerians on the need to embrace peace and tolerance of others people’s views and beliefs, conferment of awards of excellence on Nigerians who are advocate of peace and One Nigeria, Intervention in lives of vulnerable persons in our communities among other activities”, she said.
