The award is in recognition of the organisation’s contributions to social development and advocacy through its media platform.

According to a statement signed by Mrs. Lillian Anyebe, Secretary of NASoW Lagos Chapter, the award acknowledges Gavel International’s outstanding support and partnership in advancing social work values and promoting initiatives that foster positive change within society.

The awards is part of the association’s 2026 International Social Work Day.

It is the first of its kind in Nigeria.

NASoW commended the Gavel International for its commitment to social impact and its continued collaboration in amplifying programmes and activities aimed at building a more caring, inclusive, and supportive society.

The association noted that the award reflected the importance of strategic media partnerships in driving awareness, advocacy, and community development, while also expressing its desire to strengthen future collaboration with the organisation.

The association extended its warm congratulations and highest regards to the management of Gavel International for the recognition.

Those who bagged awards include Lagos State Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro; Lagos State Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende,  and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mrs Toyin Oke- Osanyintolu.

In the media category, Punch Newspapers, Arise Television, Lagos Television, and Traffic Radio also won awards.

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The national president, Nigeria Association of Social Workers, NASoW, Alhaji Mashood Mustapha, made the disclosure in a statement made available by the National Public Relations Officer of the association and Chairman of Media and Protocol committee of the conference, Mr. Musliudeen Adebayo.

Mustapha, in the statement issued on Friday, noted that the conference will have notable social workers across Africa and beyond in attendance.

According to him, “The conference shall be hosted by Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW) between 22nd and 24th November 2023 in Lagos state, Nigeria. This is the first time that it will be hosted in our country and West Africa.

“The conference will provide opportunities for social workers to meet, interact and share experiences.

“The theme of the conference is “Emerging Social Problems in Africa: The Response of Social Work Practice”.

The theme was said to have been chosen in line with the socio-economic challenges facing the African continent.

“It is no longer news that the African race is going through series of developmental crises – human rights abuse, systemic corruption, gender-based violence, youth restiveness, high rate of unemployment, poverty, banditry, illegal mining, weak social protection, to mention a few.

“I see the conference as an important platform to address these problems as we collectively seek for a new social order that will usher in a better future for Africa and Africans, a future that will bring peace, opportunity and prosperity to the continent.

“The conference is expected to evolve new policies of actions as well as practices that will lead to a fair, just, and brighter Africa. It is an opportunity to share experiences with members across the globe.”

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NASoW which is the recognized umbrella body for all social workers in the country made this pledge in a congratulatory letter addressed and delivered at the minister’s office.

NASoW president, Alhaji Mashood Mustapha, in the letter promised that members of the association would work with the Minister of Health and Social Welfare to promote the social welfare of people and communities.

READ ALSO: FG repatriates 161 Nigerians detained for immigration offences

Mustapha, in the letter, a copy of which was made available in Ibadan, on Tuesday, through the National Public Relations Officer of the association, Mr Musliudeen Adebayo, said the association was ready to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration in ameliorating various social problems confronting the citizens.

Mustapha, in the letter which had earlier been delivered at the Minister’s office in Abuja, added that the doors of the association remained open for deliberations with the minister towards improving  humanity.

The letter reads in part: “The President and entire Executive Council members of the Nigeria Association of Social Workers which is the recognized umbrella body for all social workers in Nigeria heartily congratulate the Honourable Minister for Health and Social Welfare on your auspicious appointment.

“NASoW National Executive and State Councils recommit our allegiance to working with your ministry towards alleviating the numerous social and psychological challenges bedevilling our citizens in line with the agenda of the President Bola Tinubu administration.

“Our doors remain open for deliberations with your honourable offices towards improving humanity.

“Do accept our hearty Congratulations and prayers for a successful tenure.”

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This is just as the association commended the National Assembly for the passage of the bill.

The association gave the commendation in a statement signed by its president, Alhaji Mashood Mustapha, a copy of which was made available in Ibadan, through the Public Relations Officer, Mr. Musliudeen Adebayo.

Buhari had on Tuesday, December 6, signed the National Council for Social Work [Establishment] Bill 2022 into law.

It was learnt that the National Assembly had earlier in the year passed the bill into law.

But the association in its reaction, said signing the bill into law by the president would go a long way to strengthen social work practice in the country.

Mustapha said the law will help to regulate social work practice in Nigeria the way it is done in other countries of the world.

While commending President Buhari and the National Assembly for a good job, he explained that the association had been clamouring for the passage of the bill for over two decades.

Mustapha said the law was a major achievement of the 9th National Assembly and President Buhari because it would help to legalise social work practice in the country through an act of parliament.

He added that the new law would recognise the establishment of the National Council for Social Work that would be controlled by the government.

He said, “We commend, applaud and salute President Muhammadu Buhari for assenting the National Council for Social Work [Establishment] Bill (2022). We also commend the National Assembly over the passage of the bill into law.

“The new law seeks to establish the National Council for Social Work that would regulate social work practice in Nigeria and the Council’s activities will be regulated by a governing body that will be appointed by the federal government

“The council, among other things, shall promote professional practice and uphold Social Work ethics and values.

“The council, according to the law shall determine what standards of knowledge and skills are to be attained by persons seeking to become member of the profession of social work and review those standards from time to time, as circumstances demand.”

Mustapha, while speaking further, enumerated various roles of social workers in the country, stating that the roles would be done effectively now that the law had been signed.

“Across the globe, social workers perform various functions to individuals, families, groups, communities and organisations who are in distress, the homeless, persons with disabilities, aged, the sick, the mentally ill, juvenile, and children and Nigeria should not be an exception.

“Social workers are found in hospitals, family courts, schools, police formations, rehabilitation centres, correctional facilities, old people homes, NGOs, civil society organisations among others providing psychosocial support, emotional support and counseling for individuals and groups to overcome their social problems so as to realize their potentials and function effectively in their societies.

“These roles cannot be performed by social workers  effectively without a regulatory framework. The law is the regulatory framework that will regulate, legalise, monitor and control the activities of social workers in the country the way it is done in other countries,” he said.

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The association made the announcement in a statement signed by its National Public Relations Officer, Mr. Musliudeen Adebayo, and made available to FrontPage on Monday.

The election of the new national executives took place in Calabar, Cross River state last Friday.

The election which had Mr. Amidu Latifu Adeniyi, as chairman of the electoral committee was part of activities of the 38th Annual National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the association, held between Tuesday 15 and Saturday 19 November 2022, in Calabar.

The election produced Alhaji Mashood Mustapha, who was returned unopposed, as president; Prof. Takim Ojua as Deputy President; Mrs. Esther Nasara as National General Secretary and Mr. Justin Obiagwu as National Assistant General Secretary.

READ ALSO: Oromoni: Why govt should deploy social workers to schools -NASoW

Also elected are Mr. Noah Kayode Omoyajowo, Vice President (South West); Mr. Isah Yahaya, Vice President (North Central); Mr. Abdullahi Ibrahim, Vice President (North East) while Mallam Jamilu Musa emerged as Vice President (North West).

Others are Mrs. Folashade Adebimpe Ogungbire who emerged as National Treasurer; Mr. Abdullahi Aliyu Mwankas emerged as National Financial Secretary; Mr. Musliudeen Atanda Adebayo emerged as National Public Relations Officer; Dr. Barbara Brownson emerged as National Welfare Officer; Mrs. Fabiawari Torubiri emerged as National Programme Officer while Mr. Pius Akah emerged as National Auditor during the election.

Mustapha, in his inaugural speech announced Pastor Nathaniel Kolawole Olawale as Ex-Officio, Barrister Babalola Olayemi as Legal Adviser and Dr Hezekiah Gimba Dikop as Editor-in- Chief.

He stated that it was a great opportunity to serve the association for another four years.

His words: “It is a great opportunity for me to accept this leadership position again. The glory is not for me alone, it is for all of us. I congratulate all other executives for their emergence.

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He made the appeal during the opening of the association’s 38th Annual National Conference/Annual General Meeting, held  in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

The theme of the conference which had social workers across the country in attendance, was “Ubuntu – I am because we are: strengthening Social Solidarity and Global Connectedness”.

The opening ceremony witnessed presentations by Prof. A. E. Idyorough who delivered a paper on “Professionalisation of Social Work Education and practice in Nigeria: Our generation and our story”; Barrister James Ibor who delivered paper on “Social Work and Ethical Dilemmas in contemporary society”; and Mr. Gabriel Undelikwo who presented a paper on “Building Professional Synergy for Social and legal programme in Nigeria’s development.”

Others are Dr. Mina Ogbabga who presented a paper on “Social Work with women and children – An empowerment framework and Mr. Richard Effiong who presented a paper on “Building a stronger and formidable social welfare relationship in Nigeria”.

READ ALSO: Social work, profession without regulatory framework in Nigeria – NASoW

It would be recalled that the Nigerian Council for Social Work [Establishment] Bill 2017 had earlier been passed by the National Assembly but in 2018, the president declined assent due to some grey areas.

It was however sent back to the National Assembly where it was reworked and passed in June 2022 and awaiting the assent of the president.

Mustapha while addressing journalists at the event, insisted that signing of the Nigerian Council for Social Work [Establishment] bill, would help to check quackery from social work practice, adding that the law when signed would give legal backing and promote quality social service delivery to the general public in the country.

He then called on government at all levels to fund social welfare programmes, stating that nation building was not all about economic development alone but in the development of humanness.

He said, “The signing of this bill by President Muhammadu Buhari will help to regulate the practice of Social Work in Nigeria just like the way it is done in the UK, USA, Canada and the rest.

“Social Work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline where practitioners help the individuals, families and organisations to solve their social problems. It is the government that regulates the practice of social work all over the world and not an individual. It is the government that regulates Social Work in the UK, USA, Canada and the rest and we believe that Nigeria’s case will not be an exception.

“That is why we are saying that social work in Nigeria is not for sale. We are appealing to President Muhammadu Buhari to please sign this bill.

“There are a lot of quacks in social work because the services of social workers are not regulated and they have done a lot of harm to the profession. So, regulating the industry will enable us have square pegs in square holes. That is why I appeal to Mr President to sign this bill into law.”

The NASoW chairman in Cross River State, Prof. Takim Ojua, in his remarks, said social workers were a group of people that share common ethical principles and had been properly trained in social work.

He said being a social worker was different from being a philanthropist because he had considerable knowledge of what he was practising either in the field or in his profession.

“To be a social worker, you must at least have a diploma in social works in a recognized institution, it is also advised that those with diplomas should upgrade and update their knowledge in the profession,” he said.

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The newly inaugurated executive members include Mrs. Adebayo Jane Ohore (chairperson); Adibeli O (Vice Chairman); Azemohor Shadrack (Secretary) and Mrs. Gilo E (Assistant Secretary).

Others are Mr. Chris Opone (Financial Secretary); Miss Emekpe E. (Welfare Officer); Mrs. Emethilue Ijeoma (Program Officer); Mrs. Julie Ireyefoju (Treasurer); Fred Ogeh (Auditor); Bar. Udolu Reuben (Legal Adviser) and Apostle Rexdom Uche Wisdom (Public Relations Officer).

Mustapha, while inaugurating the new executive members, charged them to always earn professional respect through quality social service delivery and should not demand for it.

He advised them to promote professionalism that would not only be defined by the quality of intellectual capacity and competence but also by the level of integrity bearing in mind that there was a global shift towards social work and should all be sensible to the blessing.

Mustapha urged the new executive to be diligent, fair and just in their new leadership positions as  servants of the people because the era of ‘I am, I am’ is over.

He said leadership would only be judged by the quality of our actions.

As social workers, he enjoined the executive to be problem solvers by developing their problems coping and problems solving capacities in order to move the association towards the direction of change and adaptation to reality.

He said, “As social workers, your roles are to solve problems of individuals, groups and communities through application of  casework principles; you are to provide psychosocial support for individuals, families and communities through your knowledge of science of human relations and skill in relationship.

“I want you to continue to participate in all activities such as our AGM, council meetings and all other  statutory activities. I also want you and all other members of NASoW in Delta State to shun all activities that may put our profession into disrespect and disrepute by always upholding the ethics of our profession because it is the only way to earn our desired respect.”

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NASoW which is the umbrella body of professional social workers across the country, said that became necessary in order to stem the tide of bullying in schools in Nigeria.

It would be recalled that about five students of Dowen College, Lagos, were alleged to have bullied and beaten 12-year-old Sylvester Oromoni.

The incident led to the eventual death of the student on November 30, 2021.

NASoW in a statement signed by its National President, Alhaji Mashood Mustapha, charged governments to employ and deploy social workers to schools in order to curb such menace.

Mustapha, in the statement, made available to journalists in Ibadan, on Monday, through the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the association, Mr. Musliudeen Adebayo, said school social workers had roles in providing emotional support to the students by giving them a helping hands to overcome challenges.

He also used the medium to appeal to the National Assembly to re-pass the Nigerian Council for Social Work [Establishment] Bill 2020.

Mustapha, while sympathising with the family of the victim, called for thorough investigation to unravel the circumstances that led to the death of the deceased.

He said, “NASoW is concerned with the incidents of bullying, oppression and victimisation of students by their colleagues in schools across the country.

“We are disturbed by the spate of violence in our educational institutions. It is a social problem that required the intervention of social workers, and the best to handle it are school social workers.

“As social workers, we have the capacity to provide intervention programmes to students in our educational institutions. Social workers are trained to provide social and emotional support to students in schools. We represent the interest of the weak and the vulnerable. That underscores the importance of school social workers.

“Governments at all levels need to employ and deploy social workers to schools especially boarding schools, the social workers will provide psychosocial support for students at trying period to avoid what happened to Sylvester Oromoni.  We need to be proactive enough to avoid future occurrences.

“On this premise, I wish to again, call on National Assembly to please expedite action on the passage of social work bill.

“Our bill, Nigerian Council for Social Work Establishment Bill 2017 has earlier been passed by the National Assembly, but President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018 declined to assent the bill due to some grey areas.

“The bill which has now been perfected has been sent to the  National Assembly for passage. The bill is now in the Red chamber. We appeal to the National Assembly to speed up the passage for President Muhammadu Buhari to append his signature.

“Social Work profession is yet to be codified in Nigerian Law. It is pertinent to mention that our noble profession – Social Work – is yet to be codified in Nigerian Law. Permit us to also appeal to the ninth National Assembly to speedily re-pass the Nigerian Council for Social Work [Establishment] Bill 2020’’ for Mr. President’s assent.”

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This is just as the association appealed to the president to find ways of reducing the high price of energy, Premium Motor Spirit, PMS and other utilities in the country.

The association in a communiqe issued at the end of its 36th NEC/Council meeting held in Abuja and made available to journalists in Ibadan, maintained that the need to urgently address the problems was high in order to make life comfortable for the citizens of the country.

It condemned the spate of killings across the country, especially the recent killings of 43 rice farmers in Borno State.

The association in the communiqué signed by Jamilu Musa (Chairman), Musliudeen Adebayo and Rachel John called on the federal and state governments to further intensify efforts towards amelioration of poverty and unemployment among youths in Nigeria.

It lauded the National Assembly over its efforts towards the passage of the bill for the establishment of Nigeria Council for  Social Work, stating that it believed that regulation of social work practice would not only improve the quality and quantity of social work service delivery but also contribute immensely towards amelioration of crises tendencies in Nigeria.

The association further called on government at all levels and the National Assembly to look into and increase budgetary allocation to social development sub-sector giving the reality on ground in the country.

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This is as the umbrella body of social workers in Nigeria condemned the killing of an 18-year old Barakat Bello, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Bello a student of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Technology (IAR&T), Ibadan, was raped and subsequently killed by some unknown persons on Monday,  coming few days after a student of the University of Benin, Uwa Omozuwa,  was raped and subsequently killed by some unknown rapists.

But NASoW, while reacting, described the cases as a revelation of the level of social decadence in the country.

The Oyo State chairman of the association, Mr. Adegoke Ayodele, while speaking with journalists in Ibadan on Thursday, appealed to governments to promote civic education in schools which would influence patriotism among the people, adding that the legislative arm of government should promulgate laws with tough penalty for rapists.

He said, “The  act was really pathetic and revealed the degree of social decadence in our society. Also, the sad event is an exposition of how we have detached from our traditional value system.

“Government should promote civic education in schools which would influence patriotism among the people. Also, the legislative arm of government should promulgate laws with tough penalty on rapists. Parents should keep close watch on their children by ensuring they have good moral upbringing. Children should not be exposed to obscene pictures and movies as this may influence their behaviour negatively.

“Female children should be taught and encouraged to dress decently. Security agents should ensure that the wrath of law is established on perpetrators of this despicable acts through prompt arrest and prosecution.”

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