In a meeting with the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Abuja, the Chartered Institute of Social Work Practitioners of Nigeria (C-ISOWN) has appealed to the Federal Government for support in the training and retraining of practitioners.
The institute, led by Dr. Iyeme Efem, the Immediate Past President, emphasized the urgency of this request, considering it essential to building a robust social work practice in Nigeria and Africa.
Dr. Efem highlighted the need for the government’s assistance in professionalizing the field and enhancing the capacities of social workers. He emphasized that such collaboration would play a crucial role in addressing the numerous social challenges faced by the country. C-ISOWN has a history of collaborating with government agencies and international organizations, including implementing projects such as the USAID/Fistula Projects since 2007, aimed at providing social work skills and support for various social issues in Nigeria.
Dr. Efem also informed the Minister about their ongoing project, USAID/MOMENTUM Safe Surgery in Family Planning and Obstetrics (MSSFPO), and its alignment with the ministry’s activities. He invited relevant ministry officers to participate in the institute’s special membership and induction program and extended an invitation to the upcoming international conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, scheduled for November 2 to November 4.
In response, Minister Dr. Betta Edu assured the delegation of the ministry’s commitment to collaborating with the institute, expressing the government’s dedication to advancing humanitarian affairs in the country. She pledged to examine the institute’s requests to enhance the professionalization of social work in Nigeria.