By Prosper Okoye
Nigerian civil society leader and community development expert Oluwasegun Oyedijo has received the United Nations Ambassador of National Volunteerism Policy and System Leadership Award in recognition of his contributions to civil society development, policy advocacy and community engagement.
Oyedijo, who holds the traditional title of Aare, received the award at Nigeria’s first National Volunteer Conference, organised to commemorate the United Nations International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026.
The conference brought together government officials, policymakers, development partners, civil society organisations and volunteer practitioners to examine ways of strengthening volunteerism and making it a more effective instrument for national development.
The recognition comes amid growing calls for stronger institutional frameworks to coordinate volunteer activities, encourage citizen participation and improve collaboration between government agencies and civil society organisations.
Oyedijo, who serves as National Coordinator of the Support for Civil Society Organisations Initiative (S4CSOI) and Country Director of Saffron Social Development Global Foundation, has been involved in initiatives focused on community development, child safeguarding, youth empowerment, education and social inclusion.
His work has emphasised the need to strengthen civil society organisations, improve institutional capacity and promote partnerships among public institutions, development organisations and community based groups.
His advocacy also focuses on the importance of moving volunteerism beyond individual acts of goodwill to a more organised system supported by policies, institutions and sustainable mechanisms for citizen participation.
A properly coordinated national volunteerism framework, supported by accountability measures, could help organisations mobilise volunteers more effectively and align their contributions with development priorities at national, state and community levels.
The conference provided an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss how volunteerism could be integrated into development planning and how partnerships among government, civil society and the private sector could be strengthened to achieve better results.
Oyedijo’s recognition highlights the contribution of civil society leaders to efforts aimed at building stronger institutions and encouraging citizens to participate actively in addressing social and economic challenges.
A project management professional, certified social worker and public policy advocate, Oyedijo has also been involved in efforts to promote institutional accountability, protect vulnerable populations and expand opportunities for young people and communities.
The award has brought attention to the place of volunteerism in Nigeria’s development and the need to give organised voluntary service greater recognition and support. With effective coordination, volunteers and civil society organisations can reach more communities and help address challenges affecting vulnerable people.
