By Abdullahi Lukman
The Director-General and Special Envoy of the Osun State Governor on Climate Change and Renewable Energy, Prof. Chinwe Obuaku-Igwe, has called for greater citizen participation and stronger institutional collaboration to accelerate Nigeria’s development.
Obuaku-Igwe made the call while representing Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, at Nigeria’s First National Volunteer Conference, held at the International Event Centre, The Dome, along Igbatoro Road, Akure, Ondo State.
The conference, convened by the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Programme in collaboration with the Ondo State Government, was themed “Every Contribution Matters” and held as part of the International Volunteer Year for Sustainable Development 2026.
The event brought together representatives of government, the United Nations system, development organisations, academia, civil society, youth networks and the private sector to explore ways of strengthening volunteerism as a tool for national development.
Delivering the governor’s address, Obuaku-Igwe said sustainable development could not be achieved through government policies and public investment alone, stressing the need for citizens, communities and institutions to work together towards common goals.
She described volunteerism as a vital instrument for building social trust, developing human capacity, promoting civic engagement and empowering communities to address their social, economic and environmental challenges.
According to her, while government has a responsibility to provide essential services, infrastructure and an enabling environment for development, progress becomes more effective when citizens, businesses, community organisations and development partners complement public efforts.
The Osun State envoy also underscored the importance of youth participation, noting that structured volunteering opportunities in mentorship, community service and development programmes could equip young people with practical skills, leadership experience and professional networks.
She maintained that young people should be recognised not only as beneficiaries of development initiatives but also as active participants in identifying challenges and creating solutions.
On environmental sustainability, Obuaku-Igwe highlighted the role of volunteerism in promoting community sanitation, responsible waste management, climate awareness and locally driven
environmental initiatives.
She cited Osun State’s circular-economy and waste-to-wealth programmes as examples of how environmental action and community participation could create economic opportunities. According to the address, the initiatives have trained more than 2,000 young people and women and supported over 350 green small businesses.
She said the programmes demonstrated the potential of linking environmental sustainability with skills development, enterprise creation, livelihood support and inclusive economic growth.
Obuaku-Igwe, however, stressed that volunteerism must be properly organised, ethical and sustainable, adding that voluntary service should complement rather than replace government responsibilities or decent paid employment.
She emphasised the need to adequately support, protect and recognise volunteers, noting that their contributions must be valued within a framework that promotes dignity and sustainability.
The governor’s representative commended the United Nations Volunteers Programme for convening the landmark conference and acknowledged the Government and people of Ondo State for hosting a platform aimed at strengthening partnerships and advancing Nigeria’s development priorities.
She called for increased collaboration among federal, state and local governments, development partners, educational institutions, civil society organisations and the private sector to establish structured volunteer programmes, expand opportunities for young people and translate civic participation into measurable development outcomes.
The conference is expected to strengthen national conversations on the role of volunteerism in inclusive development, peacebuilding, youth empowerment and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Obuaku-Igwe’s representation of Governor Adeleke also highlighted Osun State’s participation in national development initiatives and the role of state governments in translating broad development objectives into practical, community-based interventions.
The conference reinforced the message that nation-building is a shared responsibility, with meaningful contributions from citizens and coordinated efforts among institutions playing a vital role in building a more inclusive, resilient and prosperous Nigeria.
