Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of social workers and supporting policies that enhance the lives of vulnerable groups in the state.
Speaking at the 50th Anniversary and 40th Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW) held in Osogbo, the Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, commended the association’s five decades of professional service and advocacy for social justice.
Adeleke praised the Osun State chapter of NASoW for hosting the national conference and sustaining the legacy of the association’s founding fathers. He described the theme of the conference as timely, noting that as Nigeria continues to grapple with economic, social, and moral challenges, social workers remain at the forefront of supporting vulnerable people in distress.
“Through your selfless service, you help government translate policies into practical interventions that directly touch lives,” Adeleke said. “We appreciate the value of social workers and will continue to support their welfare. We are aligned with their core mandate to care, restore dignity, and uphold humanity.”
Highlighting the state’s social protection efforts, the Governor stated that his administration has launched several programs targeted at vulnerable groups. These include the Imole Empowerment Scheme, which provided startup grants to 2,000 women and youths, and the Community and Government Development Programme, through which over ₦395 billion in grants were disbursed to 50 communities and 13 vulnerable groups.
He added that the state had enrolled over 23,000 lecturers into the Osun Health Insurance Scheme and established the Access Committee on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) to fast-track justice for victims. The government, he said, also supports persons with disabilities through empowerment and partnership programs aimed at creating a more inclusive society.
Adeleke, who received an Award of Excellence in Humanitarian Service, dedicated it to the people of Osun State, saying it symbolized collective progress.
“This award is not just a personal recognition; I accept it on behalf of the government,” he said. “We will continue to work with social workers to strengthen social progress, protect the vulnerable, and give hope to those who have almost lost it.”
Earlier in her keynote address titled “The Role of Social Workers in Nigeria: Intergenerational Collaboration and National Development,” Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, emphasized the need for security, accountability, and professionalism in social work practice.
Edu said fostering collaboration between younger and older generations is crucial in addressing Nigeria’s complex social, economic, and environmental challenges. Citing Nobel laureate Dr. Wangari Maathai, she explained that shared experiences and intergenerational solidarity are essential for long-term national development.
She noted that social workers are vital to peacebuilding, climate action, and community resilience, even though their contributions often go unrecognized. Edu urged governments at all levels to prioritize the welfare of social workers and integrate them into national policy frameworks.
“Meaningful collaboration must go beyond tokenism,” Edu stated. “Social workers must continually upgrade their skills, uphold justice, and engage in inclusive community programs that foster social and economic transformation.”
In his welcome address, Alhaji M. B. Mustapha, National President of NASoW, described the 50th anniversary as a historic milestone, marking five decades of advancing social work practice, promoting professional standards, and supporting vulnerable populations across Nigeria.
Mustapha said the conference, themed “Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Wellbeing,” aimed to reflect on NASoW’s legacy while charting a new path for the future of social work in a rapidly changing socio-political landscape.
“This milestone celebration in Osogbo marks five decades of impact,” Mustapha said. “Our discussions over the coming days will reaffirm our commitment to justice, solidarity, and service, the core values of our profession.”
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