LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT,PLEDGES SUPPORT TO SOCIAL WORKERS IN THE STATE.

                  The Lagos State Government has pledged to continually support social workers in their drive to promote the ideals of inclusion and participation of all citizens in communal activities,describing them as key contributors to human rights ,social justic,democracy and well-being of individuals.The State Commissioner for Youths and Social Development,Pharm.{Mrs} Uzamat Akinbile Yusuf,who disclosed this today at an event organised by the Ministry to mark the annual celebration of International Social Work Day,said social workers are important to stimulate and support democratic processes and structures in every society because they seek to improve the quality of life and well-being of individuals through various interventions.Speaking on this year's theme for the celebration ''Promoting the Dignity and Worth of People;;,Akinbile Yusuf advised that respecting the dignity and worth of individuals as being exemplified by social workers should be internalized in the lives of every member of the society in line with the United Nations universal declaration of Human Rights.She added that the impact of the services being rendered by this category of people is felt across the State especially in government owned establishments.According to her ''The robust presence of Social Workers in Hospitals,Schools and Family Social Services in all the Local Government Areas of the State as well as provision of correctional and rehabilitation services,attest to the commitment of the Lagos State Government to ensure that adequate provisions are made to assist the less privileged members of the society.Although laws had already been promulgated to further enshrine the rights and privileges of all,like the Lagos State Child's Right Law 2007,more mechanisms would be put in place to ensure compliance with these laws and appropriate sanctions issued to defaulters''.The Commissioner noted that there is need to improve the image of social work practice in the country,stressing that workers needs to wake up and work to uphold and defend the values of the profession.She therefore called on all relevant stakeholders to complement efforts of the present administration in providing adequate care and protection for the vulnerable groups in the society,particularly the children,women and people living with disabilities as it is done in every civilized world.Speaking earlier,the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry,Mr Hakeem Muri Okunola explained that social work is a profession that is people oriented with the primary objective of bringing succour to the vulnerable ones in the society.He described their noble roles as giving light to the society,adding that they cannot afford to fail in the onerous task.One more photo below.