Dr. Raymond Edoh appointed UN Volunteer Ambassador

By Abigail Kaura

The United Nations Habitat Ambassador to Nigeria, and Life Fellow, International Chartered World Learned Society, ICWLS, USA, Dr. Raymond Edoh has been appointed UN Volunteer Ambassador to Nigeria.

The event which took place at the National Press Centre, Radio House, Abuja during the UN Volunteer International Day had in attendance men of timber and caliber across the Political, Volunteerism and the United Nations space.

The Secretary to the government of the federation, Sen. George Akume while declaring the event open lauded the efforts of the United Nations in making the event a hug reality stating that a lot needs to be done in the Volunteering space in the country.

However, he charged the appointed to remain focused and diligent to duty as he congrats volunteers in Nigeria.

While reacting to the appointment, Amb. Dr. Raymond Edoh assured Nigerians of his resolve in making the Nigerian Volunteerism space a better macrocosm for all volunteers.

Speaking further, he urged the federal government to consider volunteers worthy of statutory subvention monthly.

“On this special occasion of the UN International Volunteers Day, I want to take a moment to express my deepest appreciation for your incredible dedication, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the world.

“Today, we come together to celebrate each and every one of us, recognizing the invaluable contributions we have made and continue to make to society. Our acts of kindness, compassion, and generosity have touched countless lives and have brought hope and support to those in need.

Volunteers like you and I are the backbone of progress and change. Our enthusiasm and passion inspire others to join in and create a ripple effect of goodwill. Whether you have dedicated your time to environmental conservation, humanitarian aid, education, healthcare, or any other noble cause, your efforts, my efforts have made a tangible difference and have helped build a better world.

“Volunteering is not just about the tasks we perform; it goes beyond that. It is about the empathy, understanding, and love you share with those you serve. It is about forging connections, fostering unity, and breaking down barriers. Your willingness, to lend a hand, offer a listening ear, or provide a shoulder to lean on is a testament to the power of humanity and the spirit of solidarity.

“In the face of adversity, you have been beacons of hope, bringing light to the darkest corners of our global community. Our resilience and determination have shown us that no challenge is insurmountable when we stand together and work towards a common goal.

“Today, let us not only celebrate our achievements but also reaffirm our commitment to promoting volunteerism and creating an environment where more individuals are inspired to contribute their time and skills for the betterment of society. Our stories and experiences serve as a powerful reminder that each one of us has the capacity to make a difference, no matter how big or small.

“Voluntarism is a philosophy or belief system that emphasizes the importance of voluntary action and individual initiative in solving social and economic issues. It promotes the idea that individuals and communities should take responsibility for addressing societal challenges through voluntary efforts rather than relying solely on government intervention.

“Voluntarism recognizes the power of individuals to create positive change by actively engaging in volunteer work, community service, and charitable activities. It highlights the value of personal choice, free will, and the desire to contribute to the well-being of others.

“Voluntarism can manifest in various forms, such as volunteering at local nonprofits, participating in community development projects, offering skills and expertise for the betterment of society, or even initiating grassroots movements to address specific social issues. It often operates on the belief that individuals possess unique talents, resources, and perspectives that, when combined, can make a significant impact on the world around them.

“This philosophy emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and encourages individuals to become active participants in shaping their communities. It fosters a sense of social responsibility, empathy, and interconnectedness, as volunteers work together to create positive change and address the needs of vulnerable populations.

“Voluntarism is not limited to any specific sector or field but can encompass a wide range of areas, including education, healthcare, environmental conservation, disaster relief, poverty alleviation, and many others. It recognizes that the challenges faced by society are multifaceted and require diverse solutions, which can often be found through the collective efforts of passionate individuals.

“Overall, voluntarism promotes the idea that everyone has the ability to contribute to the betterment of society and that voluntary action has the power to transform communities, empower individuals, and create a more just and compassionate world.

“The youth play a crucial role in volunteerism and contribute significantly to the betterment of society. Volunteerism refers to the act of giving one’s time, skills, and resources for the benefit of others without expecting any monetary compensation. Here are some key aspects of the youth’s role in volunteerism:

“Social Impact: Youth volunteers have the potential to create a substantial social impact. Their energy, enthusiasm, and fresh perspectives can bring about positive change in various areas such as education, healthcare, environmental conservation, poverty alleviation, and community development. Through their voluntary efforts, young people can address local needs, promote social justice, and drive sustainable development.

” Skill Development: Engaging in volunteer activities provides young individuals with opportunities to develop valuable skills and competencies. They can enhance their leadership abilities, communication skills, teamwork, problem-solving capabilities, and organizational skills. Volunteerism enables youth to gain practical experiences, which can be beneficial for their personal growth, educational pursuits, and future career prospects.

“Advocacy and Awareness: Youth volunteers often serve as advocates for causes they are passionate about. They can raise awareness about social issues, advocate for policy changes, and mobilize communities to take action. Through their involvement in volunteerism, young people amplify the voices of marginalized groups, promote inclusivity, and contribute to shaping a more just and equitable society.

” Inter-generational Bridge: The youth serve as a bridge between generations, connecting older and younger individuals within communities. By volunteering, young people have the opportunity to learn from experienced adults, tap into their wisdom, and build inter-generational relationships. This exchange of knowledge and experiences fosters mutual understanding, respect, and collaboration.

” Inspiration for Peers: When young individuals actively engage in volunteerism, they inspire their peers to get involved as well. Youth-led initiatives and projects can motivate others to recognize the importance of community service and encourage them to contribute their time and skills. By setting positive examples, young volunteers inspire a culture of volunteerism among their peers, creating a ripple effect that expands the reach of social impact.

“Global Perspective: Volunteerism can expose young people to diverse cultures, communities, and global issues, fostering a broader perspective and a sense of global citizenship. Through international volunteer programs and initiatives, youth can learn about different societies, develop empathy, and contribute to international development efforts. This global outlook equips them with the knowledge and empathy needed to address complex global challenges.

“It is essential for societies and organizations to provide platforms and support systems that empower youth to engage in volunteerism effectively. Recognizing the potential of young volunteers and involving them in decision-making processes can lead to more inclusive and sustainable solutions. By nurturing and harnessing the passion and energy of the youth, volunteerism can become a powerful force for positive change in society.

“The government plays a crucial role in fostering and supporting volunteerism within a society. Here are some key aspects of the government’s role in volunteerism:

“Policy and Legislation: Governments can create policies and legislation that promote and facilitate volunteerism. They can establish frameworks that protect volunteers’ rights, ensure their safety, and provide legal recognition for volunteer organizations. Governments can also develop regulations that encourage employers to offer paid time off for employees to engage in volunteer activities.

“Funding and Resources: Governments can allocate financial resources to support volunteer programs and initiatives. They can provide grants, subsidies, and funding opportunities to nonprofit organizations and community groups that rely on volunteers to deliver services. Governments can also invest in infrastructure, training, and capacity-building programs that enhance the effectiveness and impact of volunteer efforts.

“Coordination and Collaboration: Governments can act as facilitators and conveners, bringing together different stakeholders involved in volunteerism. They can establish platforms for collaboration between government agencies, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community groups. By fostering synergy and cooperation, governments can create an enabling environment that maximizes the collective impact of volunteerism.

“Volunteer Infrastructure: Governments can develop and maintain volunteer infrastructure, such as volunteer centers or online portals, that connect potential volunteers with organizations in need. These platforms can provide information about volunteer opportunities, match volunteers with suitable positions, and streamline the volunteer recruitment process. Governments can also invest in technology and digital platforms to leverage the power of online volunteering.

” Recognition and Awards: Governments can recognize and appreciate the contributions of volunteers through various means. They can establish national or local volunteer recognition awards to honor individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to their communities through volunteering. This recognition not only acknowledges the efforts of volunteers but also inspires others to get involved.

” Research and Evaluation: Governments can support research and evaluation efforts to better understand the impact of volunteerism and identify areas where it can be further enhanced. They can commission studies, collect data, and analyze trends related to volunteerism. This information can inform policy decisions, program development, and resource allocation, ultimately strengthening the volunteer sector.

“Education and Awareness: Governments can promote education and awareness about volunteerism within communities and schools. They can incorporate volunteerism into educational curricula, emphasizing its importance and benefits. Governments can also launch public awareness campaigns to highlight the value of volunteerism and encourage individuals of all ages to get involved.

“By actively supporting volunteerism, governments can create an environment that encourages and empowers individuals to engage in community service. Their role is to provide infrastructure, resources, and policies that enable volunteerism to thrive and make a significant positive impact on societies.

“In as much as I say congratulations to us all, a lot needs to be done, especially in Nigeria. We need more volunteers, we need more engaging window from the federal government with the Nigerian volunteers, we need a sense of belonging too, we need a strong partnership and collaboration with all stakeholders across board.

“It wouldn’t be too demanding if we officially request for a statutory allocation from the federal government to the umbrella body of volunteers in Nigeria. In fact, this is the only way we can perform better. Other Countries do it, and off course USA is not exempted.

“I would want to say a big thanks to the UN Volunteer, the Federal government, and the Nigerian National Volunteering umbrella body under the leadership of Mr. Abraham Kwafhan for this appointment and I promise Nigerians today that I would put my best in place to make Nigeria proud”, Edoh added.

Dr. Raymond Edoh, while recapping his speech led the entire guests for a one minute silence for those that lost their lives in the war in Gaza-Israel, Ukraine-Russia as he chanted “No to War”.

He also dedicated his award to all Volunteers across the globe stating that volunteers don’t only volunteer rendering services but also volunteer their lives while others tend to save theirs.

Also speaking at the event, the Country Coordinator, United Nations Volunteers Programme, Nigeria, Veronica Obiuwevbi tasked volunteers in Nigeria to be patriotic while discharging their duties pointing out that country can serve better and be a better place with volunteers.