World Social Work Day: Social workers want government to constitute council
The Nigerian Association of Social Workers, (NASoW), Lagos Chapter, has called on government at all levels to constitute the social work council.
Ms Olubunmi Lamilisa, State Chairperson, NASoW made the call in Lagos on the event of the World Social Workers Day (WSWD).
The WSWD is celebrated annually every third Tuesday in the month of March.
The 2025 WSWD has as its theme: “Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Wellbeing”.
Lamilisa said that to build a more just and equitable society, a well-regulated council was essential for standardising the profession, ensuring accountability, and elevating service delivery.
She said that the 2025 theme emphasised the importance of connections between generations for enduring well-being in a world facing instability and increasing polarisation.
She said that in view of this, social workers globally were calling for stronger intergenerational solidarity, stressing the need for stronger connections between young and old, different people, countries, continents, and within diverse societies.
The Lagos State Chairperson of NASoW said that the association would continue to render service to humanity, advocates for the vulnerable, and promotes fairness and equal opportunities.
She reiterated that the association stood ready to work with government agencies, NGOs, and community leaders to advance the impact of social work in the state and the country at large.
She however lamented that NASoW, Lagos chapter, was faced with some major challenges which include lack of recognition and institutional support, as well as public misconceptions among others.
According to her, NASoW, Lagos currently has 702 active members working across various sectors to address critical social issues in the state.
”But in spite of this, we still face some challenges like recognition and institutional support, enhance funding and support for social workers among others.
She stressed that adequate financial investment was needed to expand training, provide mental health services, child protection, and community interventions, and called on all to join hands with social workers to continue service to humanity
