By David Owei,Bayelsa

Social workers in Nigeria continue to face a complex web of challenges many of which are both structural and historical in nature according to professor Raimi Lasisi, these challenges mirror those faced by numerous professional bodies in the country, but are particularly pronounced within the field of social work.

Prof Raimi Lasisi Stated this while delivering a key note address at this year celebration of the Nigeria Association of Social Worker week in Yenagoa,Bayelsa State.

According to the university don,one of the most pressing issues is the lack of institutional support required for social workers to thrive as a professional body, when compared with countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, the disparity becomes even more evident. In these countries, there is strong political will and structured backing for social work in Nigeria, however such support remains largely absent.

He also list Funding as part of the concomitant problem militating against the association. According to him “Funding is another persistent obstacle. Like many professions in the country social work suffers from inadequate financial investment, yet beyond structural and financial issues lies a deeper challenge,public perception,many Nigerians still lack a clear understanding of the role of social workers, often undervaluing their contributions compared to other professions, particularly in the social sciences.

Professor Lasisi further links these challenges to Nigeria’s colonial history he points out that the legacy of “divide and rule,” a strategy employed during colonial administration, has left behind deep-rooted divisions these divisions ethnic institutional, and social continue to shape modern Nigerian society”

He averred that the failure of successive leadership to adequately address this inherited disunity has allowed it to persist even at local levels, such as within Rivers state, these divisions are evident,ethnic sentiments often influence public perception and acceptance of leadership, reinforcing fragmentation”

According to Lasisi, these structural and institutional divides, though not originally inherent to Nigerians, have endured over time and continue to hinder collective progress.

He however posited that despite these challenges, the role of social workers cannot be quantified while they may not provide medical treatment in the conventional sense, they offer critical psychological and emotional support.

“Their work addresses the social and institutional pressures that affect individuals, families and communities in many parts of the world, social workers are recognized as essential professionals, comparable in importance to those in the medical field due to their impact on mental and emotional well being.”

Their importance in addressing social problems cannot be overstated social workers are highly trained professionals equipped to tackle issues such as poverty, inequality, family instability, and social injustice their expertise positions them as key agents of change in society.

Also speaking ,Lilian Nkiruka Obah, chairperson of the Bayelsa state chapter of social workers highlights the profession’s role in advocacy and community mobilization,she notes that social workers actively engage in bridging long standing divisions and fostering trust within communities,through their work they help address deeply rooted social challenges and promote cohesion.

This year’s theme, “Co building hope and Harmony: a Harambee call for uniting a divided society,” underscores the importance of collaboration the term Harambee, meaning “pulling together,” reflects the collective effort required to build stronger, more unified communities.

She emphasizes the need to leverage one another’s strengths recognizing that meaningful progress is achieved through shared responsibility Nigeria, with its rich diversity and cultural vibrancy faces numerous social challenges including poverty youth unemployment gender based violence and limited access to essential services.

“These issues place significant demands on social workers who remain committed to advocating for vulnerable populations despite limited resources, heavy workloads, and minimal recognition”

“Yet, even under such conditions social workers stand as pillars of hope they counsel families in crisis, protect children, empower women and youth, support persons with disabilities, and champion social justice and human dignity

The national program officer, Fabiawari Dagogo stated that the event reinforces the message of unity embedded in this year’s theme, she calls for a collective response to societal challenges urging professionals policymakers, community leaders and citizens to work together toward a shared vision of progress.

“Social change she emphasizes, is not the responsibility of one group alone. Whether one is a social worker teacher,volunteer, faith leader or health professional, everyone has a role to play in fostering community well being”

She said in Bayelsa state, this year’s social work celebration spans from March 16 to March 22, 2026 the week long event is designed to build stronger connections among professionals at the forefront of social transformation,it also serves as a call to action for social workers to take a more active role in driving meaningful change within the state.

The week long event started with sensitization walk to create more awareness,visit to media houses,radio talk and novelty football match.

By George Mgbeleke

HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA) has criticised the decision of the president and commander-in-chief of the Armed forces of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu to proceed with the flamboyant tour of the United Kingdom to honour the invitation for a state visit by the King of England, Charles 111, arguing that a Commander-in-Chief of an Armed forces waging a major war on terror and for him going away at the time that dozens of soldiers and civilians are killed, maimed and housing assets of ordinary citizens worth several billions of Naira, doesn’t make any sense.

In a statement by the National Coordinator of the group, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko,HURIWA said: ” Mr. President, it is insensitive and unacceptable that you continued with your ‘joyful’ and entertaining trip to visit the palatial mansions of the English monarchy at this time of weeping, wailing, gnashing of teeth by many of our citizens caught up unfortunately in the bombing campaigns by the same terrorists that your government has failed spectacularly to rein in but your administration has continued to carry out the unconstitutional reintegration and Rehabilitation of the so-called repentant terrorists.

“MR. PRESIDENT, you are aware that just Yesterday, the entire Borno State and Maiduguri particularly which is as big as France, was thrown into mourning by terrorists who killed dozens including a breastfeeding woman and her baby. Yet the president and commander-in-chief of the Armed forces of Nigeria has jumped into the presidential jet to go and have sessions of dining and wining with the richest monarch in Europe. Where is the African cultural value and sense of empathy and caring for one another that the head of state of a Nigeria that is in war would happily continue with this sort of joyful and entertainment filled royal hosting by the King and Queen of England? Sir, this is intolerable and absolutely appalling. How a Father abandoned his wounded and killed citizens to travel to England for a mere state visit that bears no relevance to the wellbeing and welfare of millions of citizens facing crushing poverty and buffeted by bloody violent attacks by terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and armed non state actors?

“All around the globe, global media networks are reporting that bombs exploded in at least three locations in northeastern Nigeria’s Borno state Monday night, killing and injuring scores of people, the emergency services told The Associated Press, citing possible suicide bombings.

“Explosions were heard in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, where Nigeria’s homegrown jihadi Boko Haram extremists have waged an insurgency for more than a decade.

“The blasts occurred at the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and two local markets, known as Post Office and the Monday Market, according to Sirajo Abdullahi, head of operations at Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency, or NEMA, in Maiduguri.

“There are casualties and they are still managing the causalities at the hospital,” Abdullahi said. “We can’t give the actual figure until we count.”

Besides, the Nigerian military that has of late suffered multiple ambushes by terrorists of ISWAP and Boko haram terrorists said in a statement earlier it had repelled attacks by suspected Islamic militants in the early hours of Monday on the outskirts of Maiduguri.

“HURIWA agrees that for years, Nigeria has been battling a complex security crisis from different armed groups, especially in the northern part of the country.
Jihadi extremist groups, including Boko Haram and one of its factions, have been blamed for intensified attacks targeting Nigeria’s military bases in the northeast of the country this month. But attacks in Maiduguri in Borno state, which is the epicenter of Nigeria’s 17-year struggle with extremist armed groups, have been rare in recent years after military operations.

HURIWA quoted the media as stating that Bagoni Alkali, an eyewitness to the blast, told The Associated Press he brought wounded people to the hospital for emergency treatment.

HURIWA theb continued: “The question on the lips of empathetic Nigerians from far and wide is why at this mourning period is our President and his wife travelling to be hosted by the King and Queen of England? Did we elect Tinubu to embark on meaningless globetrotting gambit for personal enjoyment? Couldn’t our president have excused himself from this unworthy trip so he takes strong steps and measures to battle the terrorists threatening to wipe off thousands of citizens of the map of the world and face of the earth?

HURIWA lamented that an eye witness aforementioned even said that “Right now, over 200 people have been injured and are receiving care in the accident and emergency department,” but yet the President deems it fit to go to England for merry making? Mr. President, is this a great decision? Will the Kingbof England visit Nigeria if a terrorist group bombs any part of the UK?”

HURIWA expressed disappointment that the President embarked on the journey to England which absolutely is all about dining and wining with the Royal family in England and would definitely not be about crushing the phenomenal rise in bloody attacks targeting Nigerians.

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Following the successful unveiling of the maiden edition of The National Legislative Awards 2026, HallowMace Foundation Africa, in collaboration with its partners, the International Goodwill Ambassador Club, ERGAF Africa, and the Isabella Ayuk Foundation, is pleased to announce the official opening of the voting portal for the general public.

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