International Social Work Day: Social Workers Call For Tolerance, Peaceful Co-existence
By Fredrick Wright
The Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW), Lagos State Chapter has called on Nigerians to exhibit tolerance and peaceful co-existence in their various communities.
The Chairperson, Lagos State Chapter, NASoW, Ms Morayo Olubunmi Lamilisa, made the statement today in a release signed by the Public Relations Officer of the association, Tessy Ozobialu and made available to journalists in Lagos on the occasion of the celebration of this year’s International Social Workers’ Day.
She maintained that the theme of this year’s celebration “Respecting diversity through joint social action”, is apt and appropriate, especially, considering what is happening in virtually all communities in the country..
She said as a result of this, her association as the umbrella professional body of all recognized social workers in Nigeria, and also an affiliate member of International Federation of Social Workers (IFSN), is joining other social workers in the world to observe and celebrate 2023 International Workers Day and call for tolerance and peaceful co-existence in our communities.
According to her ” Despite the oneness being promoted by all the tiers of governments in Nigerian communities, cases of religious killings, ethnic cleansing, cult clashes and hooiganism are witnessed in most parts, due to high level of intolerance occasioned by no respect for cultural diversities and divergent opinions/ beliefs, feeling of superiority of one’s ideas and religious beliefs to others”, she said.
The Chairperson recalled that the oneness that Nigeria was enjoying in the early 1970s is now elusive but all what is being witnessed across all areas is destruction of lives and properties, serious conflicts leading to physical assaults and serious threats to our national unity and economic
stability.
“We are using this medium to implore all and sundry to resist all forms of divisive tendencies agents and campaigns in our
communties, shun all forms of killings/jungle justice, maiming and hatred in order to reposition Nigeria better in comity of nations.
We must encourage inter-tribal marriage, peaceful co-existence and respect for others’ opinions”, she added
She concluded that it is only through collective efforts, otherwise known as joint social actions that will make the world a peaceful and better place for all, where we can all thrive.
“In furtherance to this year’s celebration of the International Social World Day, NASoW across all the length and breadth of Nigeria shall undertake the following steps: Media appearances to enlighten Nigerians on the need to embrace peace and tolerance of others people’s views and
beliefs which are not inimical to unity and peace of Nigeria, Conferment of awards of excellence on Nigerians who are advocate of peace and One Nigeria, Intervention in lives of vulnerable persons in our communities among other activities”, she said.
She concluded that it should be noted and resounding in our minds that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees freedom of association and expression and advised that all of us should embrace measures by the government to unify Nigerians.
