MALLAM LANRE ISSA-ONILU LEADS CALL FOR VOLUNTEERISM AT ONDO STATE SUMMIT
The Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has reaffirmed his commitment to promoting volunteerism and active citizenship at the 2025 Ondo State Volunteer Summit. The event was held on Friday, 5th December 2025, at the International Event Centre (The Dome), Akure.
The Summit, commemorating International Volunteer Day 2025, adopted the global theme, “Every Contribution Matters,” with the focus on “Volunteering for Impact: Uniting Citizens, Civil Society, and Corporates for a Sustainable Future.” drew the participation of the Executive Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Commissioners, State Officials, Civil Society Leaders, representatives of Development Partners, Volunteer Organisations, and Youth Delegates.
In his keynote address, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu commended the collaborative efforts between the Ondo State Government and civil society organisations, describing the partnership as a model for cross-sector engagement that strengthens the impact of volunteer initiatives. He emphasised that volunteerism plays a crucial role in national development, transforming civic intentions into tangible actions and fostering collective progress.
Represented by the South West Zonal Director, Mrs. Salako Olufunke Fransisca, the Director General called for the institutionalisation of volunteerism through structured frameworks, including volunteer registries, training pipelines, and integration into policy planning and corporate social responsibility activities. According to him, “Volunteerism is not merely an occasional civic gesture but a strategic tool for sustainable community development, peacebuilding, and national cohesion, particularly in challenging social and economic environments.”
Concluding his address, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu urged youths, civil society organisations, the private sector, and government agencies to embrace volunteerism as a continuous commitment. He stressed that the Summit should not only serve as a commemoration but as a commissioning for a new wave of volunteer-driven transformation across Ondo State and Nigeria.
M & C Dept,
ONDO NOA
Akure