Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M Doro has pointed out that social work is a pillar of human development, and he will set a machinery in place for it to strive and achieve the desired positive goal. This was contained in a statement signed by Janet McDickson, Director, Information, and Public Relations.
Dr. Doro made this statement when he received the executive members of the Nigerian Association of Social Workers who paid him a courtesy visit in his office today.
He said that social work is not just a profession but a foundational force in building a healthy, stable, and progressive society. Adding that, it focuses on improving the well-being of individuals, families, and communities, especially those facing vulnerability, inequality, or crisis.
The Honourable Minister appreciates their commitment to the profession, pointing out that the profession supports disability inclusion and refugee support, amongst others.
He said the Nigerian Society of Social Workers has been legalised with the Social Work Act 2022. Stressing that, the ministry is open to collaboration on things that will enhance social delivery to Nigerians, especially the vulnerable.
Dr. Doro said, the ministry’s flagship project, One Humanitarian One Poverty Response System is poised to bring an end to service fragmentation and ensure that, Nigerians get value for money at all times for a sustainable development.
The Honourable Minister said he has taken the lead to tour six states in the six geo- political zones of the Federation he said” I want to ensure accountability and transparency and to feel the pulse of those that have benefited from the HoPE-CT beneficiary engagement programme which is aimed at achieving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda”
He said, ” I have met with beneficiaries and asked questions if there was any unduly pressure before getting the money.” The response he got was” No,
there wasn’t any pressure. ” Thus, he said, the government will use the beneficiaries’ feedback to design future plans for greater results.
He assured the association that efforts will be put in place to inaugurate the Social Work Council.
Earlier, the President of the Nigerian Association of Social Workers Alh. Mashood Mustapha said their visit was to request that the Nigerian Social worker Council be inaugurated. Also, to discuss the future of the Association and promote the profession’s integrity to make greater impact in the society pointing out that over 70 tertiary institutions in Nigeria offer studies in social work.
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