Ijebu-Ode (Ogun) – Some stakeholders in Ijebu-Ode on Wednesday advised youths to embrace volunteerism as an opportunity to contribute to sustenance of socio-economic development of the country.
They made the call while speaking with newsmen at the 2015 International Volunteers Day and Awards Ceremony organised by the Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) of Catholic Disocese of Ijebu-Ode.
Those who spoke said that volunteerism was globally acknowledged for promoting systemic change in the society as volunteers work in partnership with government to sustain development programmes.
Rev. Fr. John Ngoyi, the Director, JDPC, said that government could not resolve all social problems alone and “we need people who are devoted to helping those who are less fortunate in the society”.
“Volunteerism is the willingness to be involved in community development. If the youths are engaged in volunteerism, it will go a long way in making the country a better place.
“Youth volunteerism also provides skills and opportunities for youth employment and entrepreneurship.[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”70560″]
“The youth can identify ways of building their own community positively as a way of contributing their quota to the growth of the society,” Ngoyi said.
Mrs Olayinka Sonubi, the Senior Special Assistant to Ogun State Governor on Women Affairs, urged youths and women to embrace volunteerism so as to stimulate the country’s development.
“Volunteerism goes beyond meeting the needs of others, but also to build the skills of those you are impacting on so as to enable them become self-sufficient.
“Through women empowerment, enlightenment and educational programmes, we can bring men and women together as partners towards sustainable development.
“To achieve sustainable development, we must reduce issues of inequality which hinders economic growth.
“The nation cannot be a better place if some people are relegated to the background as volunteerism itself is service to humanity,” Sonubi said.
Mrs Ireti Disu, the JDPC Deputy Director and Volunteers Coordinator, described volunteerism as a two-way phenomenon which enabled the volunteers to spur change in others as well as themselves.
“When young people volunteer, the opportunity provides them with valuable life and job skills; it strengthens their capacity to lead and become engaged in their communities.
“When white-collar jobs are not forthcoming, it is advisable for our youths to seek volunteer opportunities in their societies where they can put their skills and talent to use.
“Even if they have white-collar jobs, they can set aside a percentage of their salary to carry out voluntary services as part-time hobbies,” Disu said.
She, however, advised the country’s leaders to imbibe the virtues of selfless service, patriotism and honesty so as to encourage the citizens, particularly the youths to adopt volunteerism. (NAN)
