Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW), the umbrella professional body for all social workers in the country has announced its readiness to hold its 39 Annual National Conference/ Annual General Meeting tagged Abuja 2024.

The association noted that the national conference is expected to take place between 19th and 23rd November this year at Cyprian Ekwensi Center for Arts and Culture Complex Auditorium, Area 10, Garki, Abuja. 

NASoW National President, Alhaji Mashood Mustapha, made these declarations in a statement made available to journalists through the National Public Relations Officer of the association, Musliudeen Adebayo on Tuesday. 

Mustapha, said that expected participants at the conference include professional social workers working with NGOs, hospitals, private practice, schools, ministries, agencies and departments offering social welfare services, social work lecturers from institutions offering social work/ social development courses, undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students of social work home and in the Diaspora. 

He added that the event which has "Partnerships for Professional Social Work in Nigeria: Leveraging the Social Work Act and Development Partners for Impact" will afford social workers within and outside the country the opportunity to interact, share ideas and knowledge, career opportunities both at home and overseas and other related issues. 

He explained further that the conference will also feature stakeholders engagement which will be an avenue for the association and development partners to brainstorm on critical issues affecting the profession. 

"The Nigeria Association of Social Workers will like to use this medium to inform social workers in Nigeria and those in the Diaspora that the 39th NASoW National Conference and Annual General Meeting tagged Abuja 2024 is scheduled to hold in November. Registration for the Conference and AGM has commenced. 

"The Conference/ Annual General Meeting will take place between 19th and 23rd November this year in Abuja. 

"The theme of the event is "Partnerships for Professional Social Work in Nigeria: Leveraging the Social Work Act and Development Partners for Impact" this will afford social workers within and outside the country the opportunity to interact, share ideas and knowledge, career opportunities both at home and overseas and other related issues. 

"The second day of the conference will feature stakeholders engagement where we will be interacting with development partners to brainstorm on critical issues affecting the profession and the practitioners in the country. 

"We are expecting participants locally and internationally to attend the conference which will be hybrid. This is in line with the new normal and global best practices. 

"The venue of the conference is Cyprian Ekwensi Center for Arts and Culture Complex Auditorium, Area 10, Garki, Abuja. Arrival 19th, Conference, 20th, Stakeholders engagement 21st, Annual General Meeting 22nd, Departure 23rd. 

"Registration for the conference is ongoing, we are using this opportunity to inform the participants to register for the conference before the closing date". 

In a world marked by constant transformation and an ever-evolving social landscape, the role of social workers has never been more crucial. Across Nigeria, Africa, and the entire globe, these dedicated professionals play an instrumental role in addressing the complex web of social issues that plague communities. To explore innovative solutions and discuss the emerging challenges faced in Africa, the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) has chosen Lagos, Nigeria, as the host city for its African Region Conference, with the theme "Emerging Social Problems in Africa: The Response of Social Work Practice." This conference is a critical gathering for all social workers, both in the region and globally, as it provides a unique platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and the development of collaborative strategies to tackle the continent's pressing social issues.

Africa, despite its remarkable cultural diversity and rich heritage, faces an array of pressing social problems that require immediate and effective solutions. Poverty, inequality, inadequate healthcare, education, and housing are just a few of the myriad issues plaguing the continent. With the adverse impacts of climate change, political instability, and the COVID-19 pandemic, social workers in Africa find themselves at the forefront of efforts to create positive change.

In this context, the IFSW African Region Conference becomes not just a conference but a beacon of hope for those seeking to address these challenges effectively. It provides a space for social workers to share experiences, strategies, and best practices while forming meaningful connections with peers, stakeholders, and policymakers.

*The Significance of the IFSW African Region Conference*

1. Knowledge and Skill Enhancement:

The conference in Lagos will offer an array of workshops, seminars, and panel discussions, led by experts and thought leaders in the field. Attendees can expect to gain valuable insights into the most current and effective social work practices. This knowledge is essential for building the capacity of social workers to respond to emerging social problems with evidence-based solutions.

2. Networking Opportunities:

One of the most significant advantages of attending the conference is the opportunity to connect with fellow social workers from around the globe. Sharing experiences, strategies, and ideas is crucial for developing a global perspective and finding innovative solutions to Africa's social challenges.

3. Advocacy and Policy Development:

By attending the conference, social workers can actively participate in the development of policies and strategies that can bring about sustainable change. The knowledge and insights gained at the event can be channeled into local, regional, and international advocacy efforts to improve the lives of the people they serve.

4. Empowering Communities:

The conference will empower social workers with the tools and knowledge needed to empower their communities. Whether it's through improved mental health services, youth empowerment, or the fight against gender-based violence, attendees will be equipped to make a real difference in the lives of the vulnerable populations they serve.

The IFSW African Region Conference in Lagos, Nigeria, with the theme "Emerging Social Problems in Africa: The Response of Social Work Practice," will presents an extraordinary opportunity for social workers from Nigeria, Africa, and across the globe to come together, collaborate, and strategize for a brighter future. The challenges facing Africa are vast, but through collective efforts, innovation, and collaboration, social workers can play an instrumental role in creating lasting, positive change.

This conference is not just a gathering of professionals; it is a call to action, an opportunity to learn, grow, and empower both the individuals they serve and the communities they work in. It is a vital step towards a brighter, more equitable, and socially just Africa, and it's a chance that no social worker can afford to miss. So, let us all unite in Lagos, Nigeria, to make a difference in the world, one community at a time.