13/02/2026
INT’L VOLUNTEER YEAR 2026 LAUNCH: GOV AIYEDATIWA REAFFIRMS SUPPORT, HAILS VOLUNTEERS AS KEY DRIVERS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening volunteerism, describing volunteers as critical partners in complementing government’s development efforts across the state.
The Governor gave the assurance at the official launch of the United Nations International Volunteer Year 2026 held at Royal Bird Hotel, Alagbaka, Akure.
He was represented at the event by his Senior Special Assistant on Humanitarian and Community Integration, Hon. Muyiwa Eyitayo, who conveyed the Governor’s goodwill and reiterated the administration’s resolve to provide an enabling environment for volunteer organisations to thrive and expand their impact.
In his address, Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasised that volunteerism remains a cornerstone of sustainable development, noting that while government provides policies and infrastructure, it is committed citizens who breathe life into development initiatives.
He acknowledged the invaluable contributions of volunteers in environmental sustainability, health interventions, youth engagement, community sensitisation, and humanitarian services.
The Governor recalled that Ondo State marked International Volunteer Day for the first time on December 5 last year, describing the 2026 launch as a deeper institutional commitment to structured coordination and recognition of volunteer efforts through the Ondo State Volunteer Service. He assured that volunteer organisations and individuals would be formally recognised and supported, stressing that service and dedication will not go unnoticed.
Earlier in his welcome address, the organizer of of the conference and the Senior Special Assistant on Volunteer Service to the Governor, Hon. Iwakun Adeolu Charles, described the launch as a renewed call to service, unity, and shared responsibility.
He noted that volunteerism strengthens communities, bridges social gaps, and inspires hope, while aligning Ondo State with the global vision of the United Nations to celebrate and expand volunteer impact. He appreciated the Governor’s continued support for youth development and civic engagement.
Delivering the keynote lecture themed “Volunteering as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development,” Prof. Adebukola Foluke Adesuyi provided an in-depth analysis of how volunteerism directly advances the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She explained that the SDGs are not merely global policy frameworks but practical action points that require grassroots participation to succeed.
According to her, volunteerism serves as a bridge between policy formulation and community-level implementation, particularly in areas such as quality education, good health and well-being, climate action, gender equality, and poverty reduction.
The renowned academic emphasised that achieving the 2030 Agenda demands collective ownership, noting that governments alone cannot attain the SDGs without active citizen engagement.
Prof. Adesuyi highlighted how structured volunteer coordination strengthens accountability, fosters inclusion, and accelerates measurable impact across communities.
She urged institutions, youth groups, and civil society organisations in Ondo State to intentionally align their volunteer activities with specific SDG targets to ensure sustainability and long-term transformation.
In his goodwill message, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, commended volunteers for their resilience and dedication, encouraging them to remain steadfast in service.
He highlighted ongoing efforts of the Aiyedatiwa administration to revitalise critical sectors of the state’s economy, including the development of the Ondo Deep Seaport, noting its potential to generate significant employment opportunities upon completion.
Also speaking, the CEO of Mummy Place Nursery/Primary School, Pastor Dr. Damilola Oshin, emphasised the long-term gains of volunteerism and urged young people to actively contribute to the state’s advancement.
She further commended the Governor for his developmental strides.
In his vote of thanks, the Chairman of the Civil Society Organisations in Ondo State, Mr. Alo Martins, appreciated the state government for institutionalising a platform that enables volunteers to meaningfully contribute to development. He also commended the SSA on Volunteer Service for his dedication in advancing the Governor’s agenda.
In attendance at the event were Representative of the Secretary to Ondo State Government, Mr. Akinbamidele Akinnagbe, Permanent Secretary political and Economic Department of the Governor office, Mrs. Olufunke Moradeyo Adekunle, State Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Ondo State Directorate; representatives of the Human Rights Commission, Ondo State; and the National Directorate of Employment, political office holders, civil society organisations, development partners, volunteers, and other stakeholders.
February 13, 2026.
