Institute To Reposition Social Work Practice, Enhance National Development

Institute to reposition social work practice, enhance national development

Institute of Social Work of Nigeria (ISOWN) has expressed its readiness to engage stakeholders to maximise the potential of its members in repositioning social work practice and enhance national development.

The institute said this in a statement made available on Saturday in Abuja by the Head of Communications, Mr Michael Aniekan, ahead of its 12th Annual International Conference.

The conference, scheduled for November 11 to 13, has the theme “Positioning Social Work Practice in Pandemic and Crises Situation’’.

Aniekan said the conference is aimed at increasing participants’ knowledge and understanding of the support and best practices as required by global standard within the profession.

He further said the conference would address the root cause of social problems, examining existing approaches to these issues and developing new and well-targeted research direction.

According to Aniekan, ISOWN will be engaging the general public, stakeholders, social work experts and desk officers across the country.

“The aim is to provide professionals with renewed vision, inspiration, knowledge and practical skills that can be immediately applied to maximise our potential in repositioning the profession for national development and meet up with the obvious emerging challenges our society is faced with.

“The major focus of the conference this year is to provide social work experts and professionals in related field, a platform to find common grounds through which they can share practical advice, engage tactfully and improve advocacy.

“Also, it is to create synergy and engage relevant organs of government to give support in the pursuit of combating social problems and policy formulation amongst others.

“This year, the composition and quality of resource persons we seek to have is not about a one-sided approach, is to combat social development problems solely whilst leaving out other critical issues that could trigger the said problem.

“It is intended to provide an all encompassing platform where individuals from all starter of life will find common grounds and engage for a broad view on the subject matters.

He explained that the conference is expected to provide a platform for participants to reflect and discuss current policies with an opportunity to join forces and reflect on current situation as it affects Nigeria and the world at large.

Aniekan added that the conference would border on knowledge sharing, networking and partnering new members duly screened through the Institute professional examination and would be inducted as appropriation through oath taking..

“Existing members with accumulated experience and value who have been appropriately assessed will be upgraded as the case may be for effective control, monitoring and discipline of professionals on the field to provide for expected service delivery.

“At the end of the programme, we will draw up meaningful resolutions to help strengthen current policies and programmes reeled out by government to mitigate the possible dangers associated with the post COVID-19 era.

According to him, it will address the looming gaps in existing legislations and make useful recommendations to the Nigerian parliament to help initiate and drive meaningful policies

“Also, drum support for increased advocacy on the subject matters and further bring experts to speed up international best practice, encourage a broad level activity and promote public enlightenment.

Aniekan, therefore, encouraged collaborations amongst all organs of government saddled with the responsibility to addressing societal ills.

He, however said, “we cannot underestimate the importance of continuous awareness campaign on social ill and the need to improve social skills amongst experts at all levels.