World Social Work Day: Bayoko lauds Oborevwori's commitment to social justice, community wellbeing ~ Truth Reporters

By Andy Emephia

For the importance attached to social works by creating the office of Executive Assistant , Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has been lauded for his commitment to social justice, community wellbeing, and human dignity.

The State Head of Service , Mr Reginald Bayoko, mni, gave the commendation in his remarks at the Delta State version of the World Social Work Day, held at the Unity Hall,Government House Asaba.

Mr Bayoko , who was Special Guest of Honour at the event , equally assured the social works community in the state, that in recognition of their invaluable service they render to society , the office of the Head of Service will continue to render them the necessary support to ensure their effectiveness, even after he leaves office.

Assuring social workers in the state that his office will foster the enabling environment in which they will thrive and impact on society , the outgoing number one public servant described social work as a calling meant for diligent and kind hearted person's to impact on the less privileged and vulnerable in society.

While quoting the words of late Nelson Mandela that "overcoming poverty is not by an act of charity but a gesture of justice , the Delta Head of Service charged social workers in the state to commit themselves to be more inclusive and compassionate in their noble but divine calling of attending to the less privileged and vulnerable in the society.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Executive Assistant to Governor Oborewvori on Social Work, Hon Mrs Pally Eghove described the social workers as "unsung heroes of humanity" because they unobtrusively devote themselves to helping vulnerable people and communities to navigate everyday life challenges..

She listed the core values of social work to include, integrity, service , social justice , and importance of human dignity among others. 

The Executive Assistant, bemoaned the high population of uncertified social workers in the State. She said in a State where the Executive Governor , Rt.Hon Dr Oborevwori does not brook substandardness, quackery in the social work profession is therefore unacceptable in Delta State.  And this has informed the present drive by the Office of the Executive Assistant on Social Work in collaboration with the Office of Head of Service, to ensure that as many non professional social workers as possible, in the Civil Service, undergo, the Social Work Proficiency Certificate Examination (SWPCE) so they can be certified  and licensed. This is a stand that the Chairman of Local Govt.Service Commission, Chief Otirhue has also taken. This will go a long way to sanitize the sector for safe social work practice.  

Hon Mrs Pally also lauded Governor Oborevwori 's achievements, according to her, "he is not only strong on infrastructural development but also in human capital development" and that the "Governor cares about the totality of Deltans"..

She said like all other professional bodies, the Chartered Institute Of Social Work Practitioners of Nigeria, is the umbrella body , duly backed by relevant laws , to regulate the activities of social workers across Nigeria.

She ended her welcome address by extending Her Excellency Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori 's greetings and love to all. According to her, Her Excellency said to tell the house that ...Everybody is Somebody!"

In their goodwill messages, the Commissioner for Economic Planning , Chief Sunny Ekedayen, the member representing Oshimili South constituency at the State house of Assembly, Hon Bridget Anyafulu, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs , Community Support , and Girl Child Development , Ms Orode Uduaghan ( represented by Director Humanitarian Affairs, Sir Stanley Rapu), and Chairman Local Government Service Commission, Chief Joseph Otirhue ( represented), all unanimously tasked social workers to embrace advocacy and best practices in their literally thankless calling of putting smiles on the faces of the vulnerable and indigent citizens who look up to them for succour

Hon Anyafulu particularly charged social workers in the state to be strident in their task, admonishing them to be apostles of the MORE agenda of the Oborevwori administration

The well attended World Social work day had two guest speakers , Professor John Emaimor, Acting Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Allied Health Science, Enugu , represented by Dr George Adejumo , and SW ( Dr) Olawale Atere, who spoke on "Strengthening intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Well-being", and "Maintaining Practice Standards & Traceable Practice of Social Work Professionals in Delta State , respectively

The world social work day which was well attended by the civil society community and other stakeholders, was spiced up by the scintillating performance of the Delta State Council for Arts and Culture troupe with their traditional dances and a playlette on the importance of social works to the society