NWA Verona - Nigerian Women Association

DATE: 6TH and 7TH NOVEMBER, 2025
VENUE: Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu
THEME: “Irregular Migration and Trafficking in Nigeria”

Introduction
The 16th Annual Conference of the Chartered Institute of Social Work Practitioners of Nigeria was held at the Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu, marking another major milestone in the Institute’s continuous efforts to strengthen and professionalize social work practice across the nation. As a long-standing annual event rotating among various regions of Nigeria, the conference serves as a dynamic forum where practitioners, academics, policymakers, and institutional partners come together to deliberate on urgent and evolving social issues. The 2025 edition focused on the theme “Irregular Migration and Human Trafficking” two deeply troubling and persistent challenges that continue to shape Nigeria’s social landscape. With the country serving both as a source and a transit hub for irregular migration and trafficking activities, the theme underscored the urgent need for coordinated national and international action to address root causes, mitigate vulnerabilities, and promote sustainable solutions.

The Role of Social Work and International Support

As the statutory professional and regulatory body for social work practice in Nigeria, the Institute emphasized its central role in guiding the national response to irregular migration and human trafficking. Social workers stand at the forefront through interventions such as awareness campaigns to educate communities, reintegration support for returnees and survivors, provision of essential resources to reduce vulnerability, facilitation of access to legal and medical services, trauma-informed psychosocial care, and comprehensive case management. These varied responsibilities demonstrate the profession's critical capacity to prevent exploitation and support recovery. The 2025 conference was further enriched by the active involvement of international partners, particularly Eyefon 2 and the Italian Ministry of the Interior (Ministero dell’Interno). Their participation highlighted the global dimension of migration and the need for cross-border collaboration to dismantle trafficking networks, enhance service delivery, and support long-term reintegration. The conference spanned three days, from 5 to 8 November 2025.

Objectives of the Conference

The conference pursued a broad set of objectives aimed at deepening understanding, strengthening professional capacity, and promoting collaborative action. A key objective was to raise awareness of the escalating crisis of irregular migration and human trafficking, recognizing their impact on individuals, families, and communities nationwide. Another crucial aim was to reinforce the role of social workers in prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation, emphasizing the need for enhanced tools, training, and institutional support to improve their effectiveness. Additionally, the conference sought to stimulate interdisciplinary and inter-agency collaboration by uniting practitioners, academics, policymakers, and international partners for knowledge exchange and collective problem-solving. Further objectives included the improvement of service delivery for vulnerable populations—especially migrants and trafficking survivors—through better access to basic needs, psychosocial care, and structured case management systems. Strengthening international partnerships was also central, with Eyefon 2 and the Italian Ministry of the Interior contributing to discussions on policy alignment, bilateral cooperation, and shared strategies to address the global drivers of migration and trafficking.

Conference Overview

The conference brought together a diverse array of stakeholders—government officials, academics, practitioners, and international partners—to address one of Nigeria's most pressing humanitarian and social challenges. Declaring the conference open, the Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Ali Pate, represented by Mrs. Ugwanyi Rosemary, emphasized the need for deliberate social health reforms and inter-ministerial collaboration. He noted that desperate migration attempts by Nigerians through unsafe and inappropriate channels demand urgent and coordinated action. The Ministry, he said, is tackling this menace through Preventive Health Reforms, Mental Health Services, and Social Welfare Reforms, while also strengthening partnerships with local and international agencies to identify victims and dismantle trafficking syndicates. Echoing this commitment, the Honourable Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Tanko Sununu, represented by Margaret Asoka, Director of Migration, commended the Institute for adopting international best practices in addressing irregular migration and trafficking. He affirmed the Ministry's readiness to partner with the Institute to reduce poverty among vulnerable individuals and communities, an effort aligned with the Ministry’s core values of human capital development. The host of the conference, Professor John Emaimo, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu, expressed pride in hosting the event. He highlighted the university’s rapid growth since its transformation from an institute to a full-fledged university in 2024, officially launching in February 2025. Within this short period, the university has achieved accreditation for 28 Health Science courses, including several Postgraduate and PhD programs. Professor Emaimo also issued a strong appeal to social work stakeholders, warning that traffickers are “hard and dangerous people” who must not be treated with kid gloves. He urged professional social workers to use the conference as a platform to propose practical and enforceable solutions to reverse the negative migration trend. Earlier, the Protem Registrar/Secretary of Council, Dr. Kemi Ottun, and the President and Chairman in Council, Professor Oluyemisi Obashoro, delivered powerful addresses. Both leaders emphasized the need for practitioners to uphold professional standards in order to sustain the Institute’s growing impact. Professor Obashoro celebrated the Institute’s remarkable growth from 200 founding members to over 15,000 members in 2025 and praised the efforts of the Council and its pioneers. She encouraged participants to actively engage with the papers and group discussions, which were carefully curated to enhance their professional training and capacity. Together, these contributions framed the conference as a strategic convergence of policy, practice, and advocacy aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s social work response to irregular migration and human trafficking, while fostering national resilience and international cooperation.
Key speakers:

• PROF MUHAMMAD ALI PATE,Hon Coordinating Minister for Health & Social Welfare
• ELENA PAOLINI, Project Coordinator EYEFON 2 Programme, Nigeria
• DR. OLUWAKEMI VICTORIA AJIBOLA, Founder & President Nigerian Women Association Verona
• DR. CATIA ZERBATO, Coordinator Casa san Benedetto, Italy
• HON. MRS NGOZI V. ENIH, Commissioner for Children Gender Affairs & Social Developments, Enugu
• PROF. JOHN EMAIMO, Vice Chancellor Federal University of Allied Health Sciences Enugu
• HON. DR. YUSUF T. SUNUNU. Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction

Opening Ceremony and Cultural Significance
The conference officially commenced with a warm and inspiring welcome address delivered by Dr. Kemi Ottun, setting a tone of unity, professionalism, and deep commitment to social justice. This was followed by a series of goodwill messages from distinguished speakers, including representatives of key ministries, international collaborators, and academic institutions. These addresses collectively emphasized the urgency of addressing irregular migration and trafficking while recognizing the Institute's growing national relevance and dedication to ethical, evidence-based practice. A vibrant highlight of the opening ceremony was the colorful presentation of participants dressed in their various cultural attires, showcasing the rich ethnic diversity that defines Nigeria. This symbolic procession celebrated national unity, cultural pride, and the social work profession's enduring connection to community identity and collective well-being. The ceremony reinforced the inclusive spirit of the conference and set the stage for a transformative gathering aimed at confronting one of Nigeria's most pressing social challenges through courage, collaboration, and cultural consciousness.

Day Two Highlights: Induction and Oath-Taking Ceremony
The second day of the conference was dedicated to the Induction and Oath-Taking Ceremony for newly trained students and professional social workers. This significant event marked the formal admission of new members into the Chartered Institute of Social Work Practitioners of Nigeria, reinforcing the Institute’s commitment to ethical practice and professional excellence. The ceremony was presided over by Dr. Kemi Ottun, Protem Registrar and Secretary of Council, who welcomed the inductees and emphasized the responsibilities that come with professional membership. She was joined by Barrister Jacqueline Odiadi, Legal Adviser to the Institute, and Sw(Dr.) Atere A.O., Head of Membership and Professional Services. Barrister Odiadi led the oath-taking proceedings, administering the professional pledge to approximately 423 new members, who were officially inducted into the Institute’s register. The ceremony was both solemn and celebratory, symbolizing a new chapter in the careers of these social work practitioners and reaffirming the Institute’s role in shaping a competent, ethical, and socially responsive workforce. On this note, it was formally recognized that Eyefon Project 2 played a significant role in supporting the professional development of social workers and students in Nigeria. Through its sponsorship initiative, the project successfully funded the participation of 120 individuals, comprising 70 practicing social workers and 50 students. This contribution not only enhanced the inclusivity of the conference but also reinforced Eyefon Project 2's commitment to building capacity and strengthening the social work profession across Nigeria.

Final Conclusions

The 16th Annual International Conference of the Chartered Institute of Social Work Practitioners of Nigeria has served as a pivotal gathering for professionals, policymakers, and international partners committed to confronting the urgent realities of irregular migration and human trafficking. Through robust technical sessions, insightful abstract presentations, and vibrant cultural exchange, the conference reaffirmed the Institute’s role as a leading force in social protection and ethical practice. In addition to the induction ceremony, social work professionals were strongly encouraged to pursue continuous professional training through the Chartered Institute of Social Work Practitioners of Nigeria. These training programs are designed to enhance ethical standards, deepen field expertise, and ensure that practitioners remain current with global best practices in social work. Furthermore, leaders and administrators within ministries, departments, and agencies both at the state and federal levels were urged to enroll in the Institute’s specialized masterclasses. These high-level sessions are tailored to build strategic competencies, promote evidence-based decision-making, and strengthen the integration of social work principles within the civil service. As we conclude this report, we celebrate the resilience, professionalism, and unity of the social work community. The insights and resolutions generated here will serve as a compass for future action—ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of circumstance, is protected from exploitation and empowered to thrive.