6th November, 2021
The Lagos State Office of Sustainable Development Goals and Investment has trained 4,500 members of the Lagos State Volunteer Corps (LSVC) on effective execution and delivery of sustainable projects.
The Volunteers who were drawn from all the 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs were trained in batches with the last batch of 500 Corps completed their training on Friday.
The training which was part of the programme to engage the volunteer corps as major stakeholder in the SDGs ecosystem, was designed to add value and advance the scope of the volunteerism structure in the State.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals and Investment, Mrs. Solape Hammond, at the one day training in Alausa, Ikeja, explained that the training was initiated to scale-up interventions by identifying the gap in structure and capacity of volunteers in order to harness the inherent value and contributions they make to social-economic and environmental development of the State.
The Special Adviser said, “Having a structure that assembles individuals who are passionate about SDGs’ cause and have the requisite skills necessary to carry out the tasks has inspired the government to further strengthen their capacity and motivate them towards making meaningful impact in the society.’’
Solape, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of SDGs and Investment, Mrs. Abosede George, noted that the training programme would go a long way toward deepening the state engagement with volunteers, helping them to understand their impact and empowering them to contribute to the attainment of sustainable development goals.
‘’Given the complexity of volunteerism as a social practice that cuts across different structures, sites, intensities, aspirations and categories, this training offers a critical opportunity to share this administration’s philosophy in providing access to regular support mechanisms’’, she confirmed.
According to her, volunteerism is a powerful way of encouraging more people to engage in civic and development activities at a local level for planning and action.
She said through this platform, this administration has strengthened civic engagement, safeguards social inclusion, deepens solidarity and solidifies ownership of development results.
Her words: ‘’The rapid and widespread changes in the social, political, economic and technological landscapes across the globe has heightened citizen’s expectations of the government in creating a broader space for citizen engagement. It is therefore critical that you help your volunteers feel ready to jump into their roles.”
The Special Adviser added that volunteerism as one of the most selfless acts in life is indispensable to achieving the goals of the SDGs and it is essential to improve their confidence and knowledge.
She pointed out that while volunteering creates a ripple effect that inspires others, and advances the transformation that is required for the SDGs to take root in communities, it also enhances people’s capacity, builds community participation and social cohesion.
Managing Director/CEO OMIRAH Elites Solutions Limited, Mr. Opeyemi Oluleye who was the lead consultant, enjoined the Volunteers to look beyond immediate benefits while admonishing them to give their all towards making the state the most desirable place to live on the planet.
‘’While you are giving your time and effort to help others and making a difference in their lives, you are also experiencing many positive effects on your own life. The benefits of voluntary work are extensive through new connections, work experience and skills. It broadens your horizons by increasing empathy, emotional intelligence and enhances your feeling of belonging,’’ he said.
The training programme is part of the yearly activities of the Office of Sustainable Development Goals and Investment aimed at improving the capacity of the State’s Volunteers Corp for seamless project execution and delivery.