Ondo State on Friday reaffirmed its commitment to civic engagement and community development as it hosted the maiden edition of the Ondo State Volunteer Summit in Akure to commemorate the 2025 International Volunteer Day.
The event, held at the International Culture and Event Centre, The Dome, brought together top government officials, civil society organisations, humanitarian groups, NGOs and volunteers from across the state.
A major highlight of the summit was the official launch of the Ondo State Volunteer Service — a newly created platform designed to coordinate, empower and celebrate volunteerism across the state.
In his opening remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Volunteer Service, Hon. Adeolu Iwakun, described the summit as “a landmark moment in the history of civic participation in Ondo State.” He thanked Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for institutionalising volunteerism through the establishment of the Volunteer Service Office.
“Volunteerism — whether through community participation, humanitarian support, problem-solving initiatives or simply offering one’s skills — remains a powerful pillar for sustainable development,” Iwakun said, pledging that the office would deepen synergy between government and volunteers.
Prominent stakeholders at the event, including the Chairman/CEO of Sckyé Group, Dr. Thomas-Wilson Ikubese; spiritual leader of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, Pastor Evelyn Joshua; Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Affairs, Mrs. Kikelomo Ikuomola; and the Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Allen Sowore, praised the Aiyedatiwa administration for creating a structured system that strengthens volunteer work. They emphasised the need for continued collaboration between government and private actors for meaningful development.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Director General of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Agency’s South-West Director, Mrs Funke Salako, urged Nigerians to embrace voluntary service as a pathway to national rebirth. “This is a defining opportunity for all of us to contribute to national growth by embracing values that strengthen collective progress,” she said.
Representing Governor Aiyedatiwa, the Special Adviser on Environment, Dr. Tunji Rhema Moyero, reaffirmed the administration’s prioritisation of citizen welfare, youth engagement and inclusive governance. He congratulated all volunteers and assured them of government’s sustained support.
“In Ondo State, the progress and recognition of volunteers will remain a standard others can follow,” he said.
The summit also featured an award segment celebrating distinguished individuals whose efforts have transformed communities within and outside the state. Among those honoured as Volunteer Ambassadors were the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan; proprietress of Mummy’s Place International School, Dr. Damilola Oshin; Pastor Evelyn Joshua; Dr. Thomas-Wilson Ikubese; and Registrar of Elizade University, Mr. Omololu Adegbenro.
A touching moment emerged when the late founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, Prophet T.B. Joshua, received a posthumous award for his humanitarian contributions.
Businessman and philanthropist, Elder Isaac Tapere, Chairman/CEO of Tisco Group, also received special recognition after announcing the donation of a Volunteer Centre to the state — a project set to begin once the government provides land. His gesture was widely described as a “gift to humanity.”
Cultural performances, the decoration of Governor Aiyedatiwa as Grand Patron of Volunteer Service, and the presentation of plaques to distinguished volunteers added colour to the ceremony.
With the successful debut of its Volunteer Summit and the launch of the Volunteer Service platform, Ondo State has positioned itself as a leading advocate of organised volunteerism, driven by compassion, shared responsibility and community-focused development.
