Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has said his administration is ready to partner with volunteer organisations working toward the development of the state.
The governor described volunteers as critical partners in complementing government efforts across key sectors and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening volunteerism in Ondo State.
Aiyedatiwa spoke on Sunday at the official launch of the United Nations International Volunteer Year 2026 in Akure, the state capital. He was represented at the event by his Senior Special Assistant on Humanitarian and Community Integration, Muyiwa Eyitayo.
According to him, the Ondo State Volunteer Service was established to coordinate, promote and strengthen volunteerism across the state. He said the initiative was designed to create an enabling environment for voluntary organisations and individuals to thrive, collaborate and expand their impact.
“I must say this clearly: volunteers in Ondo State have played a critical role in complementing development efforts — in environmental sustainability initiatives, community sensitisation programmes, youth engagement activities, and health and social interventions. You have stood in the gap,” he said.
He stressed that development cannot be achieved by government alone.
“The government alone cannot do it. No administration, no matter how committed, can achieve sustainable development without the active participation of its people. Volunteerism reminds us that development is a shared responsibility,” he added.
The governor assured volunteer organisations that his administration would continue to provide the necessary support to enable them operate effectively across communities in the state.
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Volunteer Service and organiser of the programme, Iwakun Charles, described the launch as a renewed call to service, unity and shared responsibility.
He said volunteerism strengthens communities, bridges social gaps and inspires hope. He noted that the event aligns Ondo State with the global vision of the United Nations to celebrate and expand volunteer impact. Charles also commended the governor for his continued support for youth development and civic engagement.
Delivering a keynote address titled “Volunteering as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development,” Professor Adebukola said the Sustainable Development Goals are practical action points that require grassroots participation.
“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,” she said.
She added that achieving the 2030 Agenda demands collective ownership, stressing that governments alone cannot attain the SDGs without active citizen engagement.
The don urged institutions, youth groups and civil society organisations in Ondo State to deliberately align their volunteer activities with specific SDG targets to ensure sustainability and long-term transformation.
