The Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, in collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW), Lagos Chapter, has announced plans to host the maiden edition of the Lagos State Social Workers’ Conference as part of activities marking the 2026 International Social Work Day (ISWD).
The conference, themed “Co-Building Hope and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society,” is scheduled to hold on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, Lagos State, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
According to the organisers, the conference is designed to bring together policymakers, social work practitioners, educators, students, members of the justice sector, law enforcement officers, community leaders and other critical stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for strengthening social cohesion and community resilience in Lagos State and beyond.
The event will serve as a platform for thought leaders, frontline practitioners and government officials to exchange ideas, share best practices and deepen multi-sector collaboration among government agencies, non-governmental organisations, communities and other stakeholders in the social development ecosystem.
The organisers disclosed that the conference will feature the presence of top government officials, expert keynote speakers, goodwill messages, panel sessions, professional discussions and networking opportunities. A communiqué containing resolutions and recommendations from the conference will also be presented to the Lagos State Government.
In addition, NASoW Lagos will conduct its first-ever induction ceremony for members on the same day as the conference. The association noted that all members seeking induction are required to participate in a mandatory virtual induction training scheduled for Monday, May 11, 2026, as a prerequisite for participation in the induction ceremony.
Speaking on the significance of the conference, the Chairperson of NASoW Lagos, Dr. Modupeola Sahid-Adebambo, said the initiative underscores the collective responsibility of stakeholders to foster hope, unity and harmony within society through the spirit of Harambee — a call for collective action and shared responsibility.
She urged stakeholders across sectors to participate actively in the conference and contribute meaningfully to conversations aimed at building a more inclusive, resilient and united society.
“Together, let’s co-build hope and harmony through Harambee,” she stated.