By Usman Shuaibu
The Associations of Professional Counsellors of Nigeria (APROCON) on Tuesday kicked-off a 3-day international conference with the theme “Trauma-Informed Education (TIE) In Nigeria” which took place at the main campus of the University of Abuja.
In his welcome address at the occasion, the National President of the association, Prof. Oyaziwo Aluede, said the leadership of the association had submitted a Bill to the National Assembly for the professionalization and regulation of the practice of counselling in Nigeria.
The President’s words: “The association has been contributing its widow’s mite to the educational development of the country through diverse self-improvement programs (like refresher Programmes and skills training for school counsellors), topical periodic and public enlightment progammes for students and pupils in Nigeria schools among others”.
He noted that so many people across the world has been experiencing one form of traumatic episode, calling on the parents to always counsel their children.
While fielding a question from newsmen, Aluede said the leadership of the association would deem it necessary to collaborate with the government to fight insurgents in Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Deputy Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege who was represented at the occasion, called on the counsellors to partner with National Assembly for the necessary support.
Omo-Agege Commended the counsellors for the step being taken to organize the conference.
On her part, the chairperson of APROCON in the FCT, Dr. Caroline Aduke Tolorunleke, disclosed that the 2020 conference did not hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, the conference featured the presentation of awards to some personalities.