Nigeria Takes Bold Step Towards Sustainable Development with Launch of National Volunteer Web-Portal

 

The Nigerian government has made significant strides in promoting volunteerism as a key element of the country's development agenda with the recent unveiling of the National Volunteer Web-Portal. This initiative was launched on Wednesday through the Nigerian National Volunteer Service (NNVS), an arm of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. The launch event took place in Lagos at the Pearlworth Hotel in Ikeja, where government officials, civil society organizations (CSOs), and volunteers gathered for a consultative engagement and public presentation.

Mr. Nadungu Gagere, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, expressed the government's commitment to fostering volunteerism as a vital part of Nigeria’s sustainable development goals. According to Gagere, the National Volunteer Web-Portal and the accompanying National Policy on Inclusive Volunteerism Blueprint provide a comprehensive platform for Nigerians to easily access volunteer opportunities aligned with the country’s socio-economic and environmental objectives.

The newly launched web portal will serve as a centralized database for volunteering, enabling citizens to connect with opportunities in critical areas such as health, education, the environment, and social work. The platform promises to make volunteer engagement more accessible, streamlined, and impactful for both individuals and organizations across Nigeria. Gagere emphasized that volunteerism is no longer just an act of goodwill, but a structured and organized effort that contributes to the collective well-being of the nation.

He highlighted the importance of building a conducive environment for volunteerism to thrive, stressing the government’s role in strengthening governance structures and networks that support volunteers at the state level. The creation of this web portal, alongside the policy blueprint, represents a proactive approach to enhancing civic engagement and ensuring that volunteerism plays a central role in the country's development trajectory.

The National Policy on Inclusive Volunteerism offers a well-structured framework for encouraging volunteer participation across the country, ensuring that every citizen, regardless of background or location, has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully. Gagere commended volunteers across the nation for their dedication and efforts in addressing the challenges facing various communities. He noted that while the government was playing a supportive role, the real power of volunteerism lies in the active involvement of Nigerians from all walks of life.

Abimbola Hundeyin, the Secretary to Lagos State Government, spoke through her representative, Dr. Oladele Oyetope, Director of the Office of the Secretary to State Government/Cabinet Office, Lagos. Oyetope underscored the importance of volunteerism, not just for the volunteers themselves, but also for the communities they serve. He noted that volunteering has the potential to create lasting positive impacts by empowering individuals and strengthening communities, both socially and economically.

Equere Imaobong, the Director of the Nigerian National Volunteer Service (NNVS), also addressed the attendees, expressing gratitude for the diverse range of participants from the government sector, CSOs, NGOs, and academia. She encouraged volunteers to take full advantage of the web portal and the policy blueprint, which were designed to make volunteerism more organized and accessible for all Nigerians. Imaobong reiterated that the tools provided by the government were meant to empower citizens, foster collaboration, and ensure that volunteer efforts align with national development goals.

Ambassador Abraham Kwaghagan, the Coordinator of the National Association of Uniform Voluntary Organizations, further emphasized the need for sustained government support in the realm of volunteerism. He called on the government to increase its commitment to creating policies that will allow volunteer organizations to flourish and be better integrated into national development processes.

The event marked an important milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards a more inclusive and sustainable society, where every citizen can contribute to the country’s growth through volunteerism. As the National Volunteer Web-Portal becomes operational, it is expected to facilitate a greater number of Nigerians engaging in various volunteer activities that address pressing social, environmental, and economic issues. The government’s initiative underscores its vision of a collaborative and resilient nation, built on the strength and dedication of its people.

With the National Volunteer Web-Portal and the Blueprint for Inclusive Volunteerism, Nigeria has laid a strong foundation for a future where volunteerism is not only recognized as a valuable social good but is also harnessed as a strategic tool for national development. Through these efforts, the government hopes to inspire a culture of volunteerism that transcends individual acts of kindness and becomes a collective force for change, moving the country closer to achieving its sustainable development objectives.