The Federal Government has launched a two-day capacity-building workshop in Kano State aimed at equipping social workers with the skills and tools needed to tackle pressing humanitarian and social challenges.
Organised by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Disabled Persons and the Kano State Government, the workshop is part of broader efforts to enhance the capacity of frontline workers addressing issues such as poverty, gender-based violence, child protection, and humanitarian emergencies.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, said the workshop reflects the government’s commitment to empowering communities through a robust and professional social welfare workforce.
“This gathering reflects our dedication to building resilient communities. Without a skilled and motivated workforce, even the best policies cannot achieve their desired impact. That’s why continuous learning, upskilling, and professional development remain our top priorities,” Kofarmata stated.
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Also present was the Kano State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children and Disabled Persons, represented by Mr. Mohammed Sambo Iliyasu, Director of Administration, who reaffirmed the state government’s support for sustainable social sector development.
In her welcome remarks, Hajiya Armina underscored the importance of empowering social workers, especially those working with vulnerable populations.
“Our commitment to skills development is not simply a duty; it is a profound responsibility that shapes the lives of women, children, the disabled, and other vulnerable groups in our communities,” she said.
The workshop features intensive technical sessions on topics such as:
Development of the social work profession in Nigeria
Understanding the Social Work Regulatory Act
Upholding professional ethics and values
Techniques for providing psychological support, especially in cases involving post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Participants were urged to take full advantage of the training and bring innovative approaches to their work in transforming lives and uplifting communities.
The initiative is expected to boost the effectiveness of social workers across Kano State and strengthen the state’s response to the growing needs of vulnerable populations.