The 39th Annual National Conference and Annual General Meeting of Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW) recently took place at Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture Complex Auditorium, Area 10, Garki Abuja.

This year’s theme is “Partnership for Professional Social Work in Nigeria: Leveraging the Social Work Act and Development for Impact.”

Welcome Address by Alh. Mashood B. Mustapha, President of the Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASOW) on the Occasion of 39th Annual Conference and AGM Held From Wednesday 20th-Friday 22 November 2024 at Cyprian Ekwensi Centre of Arts and Culture, Abuja.

Ladies and gentlemen, Distinguished guests, Esteemed colleagues, and Fellow social workers, It is my great honor to welcome you all to our Annual General Meeting, convened under the theme “Partnership for Professional Social Work: Leveraging the Social Work Act and Development Partners for Impact.”

Today, we gather as a community of professionals united by our commitment to promote social justice, human rights, and the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

This year’s theme is both timely and significant. It reflects our collective recognition that the future of social work in Nigeria relies on collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships that amplify our impact.

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.

The theme calls upon us to explore how we can harness this legislative framework alongside the support of development partners to strengthen our work and expand our reach.

Partnerships are the lifeblood of progress; they enable us to pool resources, share knowledge, and integrate innovative approaches that address the multifaceted challenges our society faces today As we come together over these few days, I encourage open dialogue, active participation, and the sharing of experiences and ideas.

Let this conference be an avenue not only to discuss policies and practices but to forge new alliances and renew our dedication to upholding the dignity and welfare of the people we serve, we will therefore, engage in meaningful discussions, share best practices, and explore innovative strategies for collaboration.

We will examine the implications of the Social Work Act on our practice, explore opportunities for capacity building, and foster connections with development partners.

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I will to use this opportunity to state that the objectives of this conference include: development partners.

  1. Enhance understanding of the Social Work Act and its implications for practice.
  2. 1. Strengthen partnerships among social workers, government agencies, and Share knowledge and expertise on effective social work interventions.
  3. Foster collaboration and resource mobilization for social impact. Reference to these objectives, we have invited keynote speakers and panelists, comprising experts from government, development agencies, academia, and social work practice.

Their insights will stimulate our thinking, challenge our assumptions, and inspire us to innovate. As social workers, we are uniquely positioned to drive positive change.

Let us: 1. Reaffirm our commitment to the values of social justice, empathy, and human rights. 2. Strengthen our partnerships to amplify our impact. 3. Advocate for policies and programs that promote social development. 4. Continuously develop our skills and knowledge to address emerging challenges.

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 professionalization 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 form of vulnerabilities affecting children, families and our communities.

Finally, I would like to extend my gratitude to our distinguished speakers, panelists, and guests, as well as our development partners, for their invaluable support and contributions towards this conference. Your presence signifies a shared commitment to advancing social work in Nigeria, and we are honored to have you with us.

I would also like to acknowledge the inexhaustible efforts of our members, who have worked relentlessly to advance the social work profession and improve the lives of those we serve.

Your dedication, expertise, and compassion have made a significant impact, and we celebrate your achievements. I invite you to engage fully in this conference, to share your experiences, and learn from one another.

Together, we can harness the power of partnership to create a more just and equitable society. Once again, I welcome you to the 39th Annual Conference of NASOW. May this event be a fruitful and inspiring experience for all Thank you, and let us begin this journey of collaboration and impact!