By Amidu Arije
The Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW) has appealed to National Assembly on the passage of the National Council for Social Work Bill which it said has been long overdue.
The association emphasised that the bill, if passed to law, would enhance the profession and make Nigeria to be respected among the comity of nations as one of the country that care for the social welfare of its citizens.
Addressing the journalists at a press conference in Lagos during the 2020 International Social Work Day with the theme “Promoting Importance of Human Relationships”, the Chairperson of the Association, Lagos chapter, Adetoun Ogedengbe, noted that the Bill has overstayed and needed to be passed, adding that social workers have not been given their rights since the Bill backing their activities has not been passed.
She added that the passage of the Bill will flush out the quacks in the profession and that Nigeria too would be recognized among the comity of nations that care for their citizens.
“Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration, Ogedengbe said: “The theme “Promoting the Importance of Human Relationships” is the fourth and final theme of the 2017 to 2020 Global Agenda for Social Work and Social Development. This theme was established to build international focus on the interdependence of people and the need for change in policies and social service delivery.
“Let me state at this point that we have on our hands, a discipline and profession that is not only people-oriented but one that focuses on bringing succour to the vulnerable members in our society. By this, we are playing a role that makes us the light of our society and we cannot afford to fail in this task, and we will not fail.
“Social Workers are skilled, knowledgeable and specialised in issues relating to social and emotional wellbeing. Working holistically with individuals, families and communities, Social Workers are passionate advocates for a fairer Nigeria.
“It is important to note that Social Workers can be found in every area of human endeavour, providing succour to the people to help them manage their social circumstances.
“Therefore, the profession requires persons with impeccable human relations skills to successfully undertake and achieve the above noble objective. We must therefore individually and collectively engage in the promotion of excellent human relationships.
“We at NASoW Lagos State Chapter are not left out of this celebration; we celebrate our profession as well as successes in our various sectors and look forward to a Lagos where social problems are solved and human relationships strengthened. “
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While commending the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on the N2billion promised the victims of the fire incidents that claimed many lives on Sunday, March 15, 2020 at Abule Ado in Amuwo local government area of Lagos state, the association sought government partnership to render free social services to the victims.
Ogedengbe said: “At this juncture, the Association commiserates with the bereaved families and those who lost their properties to the gas pipeline explosion at Abule Ado, Navy Town, Lagos on Sunday 15th March, 2020. We are using this medium to applaud Lagos State Government for the Two Billion Naira Relief Fund (N2bn) set aside for the victims of this disaster, let me emphasise that members of NASoW are willing to collaborate with Lagos State Government to render free psycho-social support services to these victims for them to be effectively rehabilitated. May the souls of the departed ones rest in perfect peace.”
