Social Workers Are Indispensable - LASG

 

By Kayode Olopade 

"For us to have a society where there is peace and harmony, one in which conflict is always nipped in the bud before it escalates , the place and importance of social work cannot be overstressed.No society can do without social workers because they contribute tremendously to the social wellbeing."

Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Youth and Social Development Mr Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende said this during the celebration of Y2025 Social Work Day with  the theme "Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Wellbeing" at Alausa today.

Speaking further,Mr Ogunlende represented by Director, Administration and Human Resource,Mr Abiodun Dina,said,"there will always be issues among any group of people.Challenges will always be there that need to be tackled.And if   not well handled, the peace and stability we all crave for can be threatened.For example, research has revealed that children from stable families do better than those from broken homes.So in order for us to have stable homes, social workers who have been professionally trained are there to help resolve such issues."

In the same vein, the Permanent Secretary, Pharm (Mrs) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu stressed the vital role being played by social workers by describing them as " a group of people belonging to a profession that their contribution to the social fabric of our society cannot be quantified."

Pharm (Mrs) Oke-Osanyintolu who was represented by the Director, Social Welfare,Dr Toyin Jaiyeola stated that it was as a result of the important role social work plays in the State that informed the addition of Social Inclusion to the THEMES plus Agenda of Mr Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu in the second term which has saddled the Ministry with more responsibilities towards Lagosians.

Her words,"the addition of Social Inclusion policy to the Agenda of this present administration was quite deliberate and intentional.It actually revealed the thoughtfulness of Mr Governor who has seen the importance of ensuring that we have  stable homes for us to have a truly progressive and peaceful state.He believes that no part of the society should be left unattended to as far as social service is concerned.Children adult.eldely and the those with one form of disability should feel the impact of good governance.As the lead Ministry in the implementation of this policy,we do all we need to do for everyone to benefit from this policy.It  is another reason we are celebrating those who are working tirelessly to make this policy impactful."

In her remarks, Chairman, National Association of Socal Workers (NASOW), Lagos State Chapter,Mrs Saheed Adebambo said that social work day was to celebrate the profession,raise awareness, advocate for change and champion social justice, adding that all social workers deserve to be honoured because of the key role they play in our society.