Lagos Social Workers Unite Against Division in Communities

Social workers across Lagos are stepping up with a powerful call to action as divisions threaten to pull Nigerian communities apart.

The Nigeria Association of Social Workers Lagos chapter marked International Social Work Day 2026 with a mission to bridge the gaps weakening families, workplaces, and neighborhoods. Chairperson Modupeola Sahid-Adebambo pointed to the real costs of these fractures: broken relationships, ethnic tensions, and communities struggling to support their most vulnerable members.

"Our society is experiencing different forms of division, from family conflicts and political polarization to ethnic, religious, and social discrimination," Sahid-Adebambo explained. These splits don't just create uncomfortable moments. They actively harm people's wellbeing and prevent communities from solving problems together.

The association chose to embrace "Harambee," a Swahili word meaning "pulling together," as their guiding principle. It captures what Sahid-Adebambo and her colleagues know from experience: real change happens when people work side by side rather than against each other.

Throughout March, social workers are bringing this message directly to Lagos residents through media appearances and school visits. Students will learn about empathy, tolerance, and how small acts of understanding can shift entire communities. These aren't abstract lessons but practical tools young people can use to build healthier relationships right now.

The Ripple Effect

The timing matters. Nigeria faces mounting challenges that no single person or group can tackle alone. But when social workers teach conflict resolution in schools today, those students carry those skills home to their families. When they model dialogue across differences, they show neighbors a better path forward.

The association is calling on government leaders, community organizers, and everyday citizens to join the effort. Their vision is straightforward: when people respect differences, practice empathy, and actually support one another, communities grow stronger and conflicts become solvable.

International Social Work Day happens every year on the third Tuesday of March, coordinated by global organizations committed to social justice and human wellbeing. This year's theme responds to a worldwide trend of increasing social fragmentation, recognizing that division is not just a Nigerian challenge but a global one requiring local solutions.

For Lagos social workers, the answer starts with small, consistent actions that rebuild trust one conversation at a time.