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AS the world celebrates 2020 International Volunteer Day on December 5, Boss Mustapha, secretary to the government of the federation, has said that the celebration offers an opportunity to United Nations member nations to raise awareness and gain an understanding of the contributions volunteers make to their communities. He says the day also offers a unique opportunity for volunteers and organizations to celebrate their efforts.
Speaking at a World Press Conference on Friday, December 4, Mustapha urged volunteers to share their values and promote work among the communities, Non-Governmental Organizations, NGOs, United Nations agencies, government authorities and the private sector. “In each year’s celebration, activities are drawn in line with the central theme declared by the United Nations. The 2020 IVD theme is “Together We Can through Volunteering”. The theme of this year brings to the front burner the important role played by volunteers by being at the forefront of medical, community and societal responses as the COVID-19 pandemic ravages the world.
“In view of this, the 2020 celebration shall focus on appreciating volunteers worldwide and also shedding light on the difficulties faced by volunteers during the pandemic. The role played by volunteers during the crisis was aptly captured in a statement by the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J. Mohammed, thus “The efforts of I billion volunteers is an important foundation at a pivotal moment for development to enable us to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic”. Therefore, the celebration would be used to spread the message of “Together We Can through Volunteering” to all corners of the world.
“The IVD is marked simultaneously in various countries of the world with fanfares, paper presentations, symposia, accolades, etc for both Local and International Volunteers efforts in contributing to the advancement of the society. In Nigeria, the Nigerian National Volunteer Service, NNVS, Department in the Political and Economic Affairs Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, leads in the preparation for a successful commemoration of the IVD with the formation of a Local Organizing Committee in collaboration with relevant stakeholders such as the United Nations Volunteer, UNV, Voluntary Service Overseas, VSO, other volunteer groups and individuals.
“It is also important to point out that the 2020 IVD celebration would be carried out in a local community named Angwasanyawa village, Lugbe, FCT, Abuja on Saturday, 5th December, 2020, with the following activities: Press Conference; Volunteer interaction and Food Drive/Donation to the Villagers; Medical mission for rural dwellers in Angwasanyawa village, Lugbe, FCT. Award of certificates to deserving members, who have distinguished themselves in the growth of volunteerism in the country; Celebration of IVD at the Angwasanyawa village; and setting up of volunteer market place for all volunteer-involving organizations,” he said.
According to Mustapha, it is also significant that, as a testament to expanding the frontiers of volunteerism in Nigeria, stakeholders will be celebrating this day on a Saturday as a sign of volunteering part of their weekend for service to humanity. He said ordinarily, it would have been shifted to a working day. “I also want to use this opportunity in calling on all Nigerians to dust up their inherent spirit of volunteerism, which has always been our way of life as we are known to be our brother’s keepers.
“I want to assure all of the commitment of the President, Muhammadu Buhari, to encourage the re-birth of a culture of volunteerism in our great country as it has the potential of supporting government development efforts. As a further demonstration of government resolve in engendering volunteerism, the National Policy on Inclusive Volunteerism, which clearly sets out a framework by coordination and implementation, across all sectors and three tiers of government as well as clearly defined roles and responsibilities, would soon be adopted.”
– Dec. 4, 2020 @ 14:55 GMT |
Tags: Nigeria joins in celebrating 2020 International Volunteer Day
