NIGERIA ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS (NASoW)

2026 ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE, GENERAL MEETING AND GENERAL ELECTIONS

Theme:

"Co-Building Hope and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society"

Date:

17th – 21st November, 2026.

Introduction

The Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW) remains committed to promoting professional excellence, social justice, human dignity, and sustainable development within Nigeria and beyond. As the foremost professional body for social workers in Nigeria, NASoW recognizes the increasing social, economic, political, and humanitarian challenges confronting communities across the nation.

Against the backdrop of growing social divisions, insecurity, economic pressures, displacement, inequality, and declining social cohesion, social workers have a critical responsibility to champion unity, resilience, inclusion, and collective action. The 2026 Annual National Conference, General Meeting, and General Elections provide a unique platform for reflection, dialogue, knowledge sharing, professional networking, and democratic leadership transition within the Association.

The conference adopts the global social work theme, "Co-Building Hope and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society," emphasizing the African philosophy of collective responsibility, solidarity, and community action toward addressing societal challenges and strengthening social wellbeing.

Background

Nigeria continues to experience complex social challenges requiring collaborative and innovative responses from government institutions, professional bodies, civil society organizations, communities, and development partners. Social workers remain at the forefront of responding to poverty, family disintegration, child protection concerns, gender-based violence, mental health issues, humanitarian crises, migration, and social exclusion.

The concept of Harambee, meaning "pulling together," reflects the collective effort required to rebuild trust, strengthen social institutions, promote peace, and foster inclusive development. Through this conference, NASoW seeks to mobilize social workers and stakeholders toward developing practical solutions that contribute to national cohesion and sustainable social development.

Furthermore, the event coincides with the constitutional transition of leadership within NASoW through the conduct of its General Elections, providing an opportunity to consolidate achievements, review progress, and chart a new strategic direction for the Association.

Goal

To provide a national platform for social workers and stakeholders to promote professional development, strengthen social cohesion, advance social work practice, and facilitate democratic leadership transition within NASoW.

Objectives

The conference seeks to:

1. Examine emerging social challenges affecting individuals, families, and communities in Nigeria and Africa.

2. Explore the role of social workers in fostering hope, peace, inclusion, and social harmony.

3. Promote knowledge sharing, research dissemination, and professional development among social workers.

4. Strengthen collaboration among practitioners, educators, policymakers, development partners, and community leaders.

5. Review the progress and achievements of NASoW and identify strategic priorities for the future.

6. Conduct the Annual General Meeting of the Association.

7. Conduct free, fair, and transparent national elections in accordance with the NASoW Constitution.

8. Develop recommendations and resolutions that will advance social work practice and social development in Nigeria.

Expected Participants

The conference is expected to attract:

* Social work practitioners from across Nigeria.

* Social work educators and researchers.

* Students of social work and related disciplines.

* Government ministries, departments, and agencies.

* Development partners and donor organizations.

* Civil society organizations.

* Traditional and religious leaders.

* International social work bodies and partners.

* Representatives of the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW).

* Representatives of allied professional associations.

An estimated 1,000 participants are expected to attend.

Expected Outcomes

At the end of the conference:

* Enhanced professional capacity among social workers.

* Increased collaboration among stakeholders.

* Strengthened advocacy for social justice and social development.

* Adoption of strategic resolutions for advancing social work in Nigeria.

* Successful conduct of NASoW's Annual General Meeting.

* Peaceful and democratic transition of leadership.

* Renewed commitment to building hope, harmony, and social cohesion across Nigerian communities.

Call for Partnership and Support

NASoW invites government institutions, development partners, corporate organizations, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and well-meaning individuals to partner with the Association in making the 2026 Annual National Conference a success.

Through collective action and shared commitment, we can strengthen the social work profession and contribute meaningfully to building a more united, peaceful, and inclusive society.

Conclusion

The 2026 NASoW Annual National Conference, General Meeting, and General Elections represent a significant milestone in the growth of the Association and the advancement of the social work profession in Nigeria. Guided by the theme, "Co-Building Hope and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society," the event will provide an opportunity for reflection, learning, collaboration, and leadership renewal.

Together, social workers will reaffirm their commitment to promoting social justice, strengthening communities, and contributing to national development through professional service and collective action.

Alhaji Mashood B. Mustapha


National President
Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW)