ZIIBALOGZII PHILOSOPHY: AN OGONI-AFRICAN CONCEPTUAL FOUNDATION FOR SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The persistent calls and initiatives to rid social work education and practices of their predominately Western orientation in order to make them more applicable to African contexts are a result of culturally distinct orientations, varying developmental stages that imply various sets and intensities of social problems, as well as various social, economic, political, and spiritual realities. All these demanded an indigenous Philosophy, theoretical underpinnings, models, and methodologies. However, most social work philosophical theories and workplace approaches in Nigeria are based on Western paradigms that do not resonate with indigenous African values, beliefs, Philosophy, culture, and rights. It is in response to this identifiable gap that this study focused on Ziibalogzii Philosophy-which places emphasis on values of human solidarity, empathy, human dignity, holding that a person is a person through othersasan African philosophical foundation for Social work practices in Nigeria. The paper adopted the qualitative research method, with reliance on primary and secondary source materials interpreted analytically on the subject matter. According to the study, there are numerous familial and kinship networks and organizations, including Pya-be (compound or family), Bua-wuga (extended families), Pya-gan (Kindred or clan), Pyagbo (age groups), Pyabuen (community), town unions, and philanthropists, that serve as channels and sources of social care and protective services. The study argued that current social welfare initiatives, including fundamental social amenities in Nigeria, are utilized by governments to earn political points and hardly take into account the rights of the populace. The study came to the conclusion that while social work practices in Nigeria should be founded on the principles of Ziibalogii Philosophy, western theories and philosophies of social work might still be used as references.