THE National Association of Social Workers (NASoW) has appealed to the National Assembly to forward the Nigeria Social Work Council Bill to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent.
This appeal was made by social workers who converged on Ibadan for a national conference with the theme, “Social Work Regulatory Framework: A Pathway to promoting effective relationships.”
Leading this call was National President, NASoW, Mr Mashood Mustapha, who noted that Buhari’s assent to the bill would legalise and guarantee professionalism in social work practice in Nigeria.
Arguing that social work was the only core profession not regulated, he maintained that having a social work law will help curb quackery and indiscipline in social work practice.
Delivering the guest lecture, Professor J. A. Ayangunna stressed the need for professionalism, while urging social workers to gain requisite education, training.
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Ayangunna said having an organised profession will help enhance public trust, confidence and standardise roles for a regulated practice.
He particularly noted the need for the National social workers to work with Ministries of Women Affairs to make social work a regulated and ethical practice.
Comptroller of Nigeria Immigration Service in Oyo, Saleh Abdullahi charged social workers to live up to their duties of helping the disadvantaged, disabled, elderly and vulnerable in the society.
Furthermore, Abdullahi urged social workers to be unrelenting in performing their roles of mending broken homes and advocating for bringing together scattered families.
In her goodwill message, Oyo Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Faosat Sanni, assured that the state government will continue to support activities that provide succour for the less privileged in the society.
Speaking, Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Rural and Community Development, Ondo State, Mr Olufemi Aladenola said passion and commitment were imperative in social workers carrying out their roles of ensuring a peaceful society.