The Federal Government has underscored the importance of social workers in the scheme of national development, saying they play an indispensable role in the nation’s development and humanitarian response framework.

The Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction Minister, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Yilwatda, stated this in his goodwill message at the opening of the 39th Annual National Conference and Annual of NASoW) which was held at Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture Complex Auditorium, Area 10, Garki Abuja.

According to the statement made available to The Guardian in Ibadan by the National Public Relations Officer of Nigeria Association of Social Workers , Musiludeen Adebayo, the Minister who was represented by Mr. Peter Audu, the Deputy Director overseeing the office of the Director of Social Development in the ministry.

The minister said the gathering represents a crucial platform for reflection, collaboration, and advancement in the field of social work in Nigeria.

He disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction recognised the essential partnership it shared with social workers in implementing its mandate to provide sustainable solutions to humanitarian crisis and poverty reduction.

The minister said: “It gives me great pleasure to deliver this goodwill message at this auspicious occasion of the 39th Annual Conference and General Meeting of the Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW). 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.

“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 as social workers’ contributions to national development.

“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 mere equitable and resilient society”.

In his welcome address, the NASoW National President, Alhaji Mashood Mustapha, called on the Federal Government to make reference to the provision of Nigerian Council for Social Work [Establishment) Act and constitute and inaugurate the much- awaited Nigerian Council for Social Work.

Mustapha said that the constitution and inauguration of the council will help to project the image of the profession and address the various forms of vulnerabilities affecting children, families and our communities.

“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.

“It is also imperative at this juncture, to appreciate the Federal Government, National assembly, and the ministries for their effort towards the enactment of the Nigerian Council for Social Work Act and for the complete professionalisation of social work in Nigeria. We call upon the government to make reference to the provision of the act and constitute the council in order to project the image of the profession and address the various forms of vulnerabilities affecting children, families and our communities,” Mustapha said.