Nigerian Emerges IFSW Africa Region President

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

A Nigerian, Ms. Toni Adeleke, has emerged the president of International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), Africa Region.

Adeleke, who is the immediate-past National Secretary of Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW), was elected at the delegates conference of the association held last Tuesday in Panama.

This is the first time a Nigerian Social Worker will emerge as the president of the organisation in the region.

Adeleke, who had earlier served as the Vice President of the association, succeeded Dr. Noel Muridzo from Zimbabwe.

The National President of NASoW, Alhaji Mashood Mustapha, in a statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer of the Association, Mr. Musliudeen Adebayo, yesterday, described the emergence of Adeleke as timely, adding that it is an indication that Social Work profession has come to stay in Nigeria.

He urged governments at all levels, agencies, development partners and philanthropists to cooperate with the association so as to reduce social problems in the country to the barest minimum.

He said: “On behalf of the entire members of NASoW, I wish to congratulate the new IFSW Africa Region President, Toni Adeleke. She emerged during a strongly contested election, the result of which was announced last Tuesday.

“Toni Adeleke is the immediate-past  National Secretary of NASoW, the umbrella body of all professional social workers in Nigeria. She had earlier served as Vice President of IFSW Africa Region.

“NASoW has the confidence that she will deliver. The good news is that this is the first time a Nigerian will be in that position since the establishment of IFSW Africa Region.”