OVERCOMING THE ECONOMIC REALITY OF OUR TIME: A COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY

 OVERCOMING THE ECONOMIC REALITY OF OUR TIME: A COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY

The collective efforts and work towards creating an environment that promotes effective collaboration would help to tackle the current economic challenge impacting many households in the country.

This was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Rotimiolu Akinlesi during the Encouragement Initiative (EI) Academy’s second Biennial Alumni Conference held at Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, saying the reality of the economic situation in the country calls for collaborative efforts of non-governmental organizations and well-meaning Nigerians to rise and contribute their quota in making life bearable and meaningful for others, stressing that government alone cannot do it all.

He said the conference served as a platform for collective brainstorming on enhancing charitable endeavors and increasing efficiency, impacting the shared mission of providing support and progress to others, emphasizing that helping people does not necessarily mean giving money but much more importantly was the mental health of people at the crucial period in the country.

Dr. Akinlesi admonished individuals to be intentional about rendering assistance to the less privileged.

 ’’Together we have established an Academy that is rapidly evolving into a hub for collaborations and partnerships within the social sector and non-profit organization. We are proud to possess a robust and enviable network and it is our responsibility to maximize the potential of this network’’.

Over 450 individuals have been trained on the intricacies of establishing, funding, and managing Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), navigating the legal framework of nonprofit operations, and recognizing the vital role of volunteers in organizational success.

The founder, Wellness African Foundation (WAF) Akintunde Akinmolayan, while delivering his lecture at the conference with the theme, ’’STRATEGISING FOR CHARITABLE IMPACT IN A CHALLENGING ECONOMY’’, noted that the current economic challenges in the country was not just peculiar to Nigeria but a global one, and as such individuals and non-governmental organizations should not to be caught in the web of drowning, rather a  different approach must be employed in handling the economic reality of the country, instead of opting for quick fixes that are not suitable for the period.

He opined that to navigate the challenging time in the country, it was pertinent that individuals firstly change their mindset by being optimistic and positive, while a deliberate effort should be put in place to increase or improve skill acquisition so as to earn more either through online job, virtual work or networking with people for better connection and opportunities. 

‘’We are living in challenging times and most of the time people think what can I do because as a people we have been used to quick fixes. We think now we can still go through quick fixes on this matter but the approach we need is to have a change of mindset. Nigeria is going through a lot of turbulence and its not just Nigeria, it’s a global thing. So, this time your approach must be different. Ensure you tell yourself this situation has not come to drown me. Since, you want to rise above it, think of ways you can do so’’, Akinmolayan said.

He stated that both individuals and collective organization hold a crucial role in the society, as they serve as pillars of support for others in need, while advising NGOs to ensure valued-based partnership with profitable organization by displaying their values and value offerings which could inform other organizations to place premium on such NGOs, let us continue to uplift ourselves and engage in collaborative efforts to thrive in our roles and further improve the lives of those in need.

In her remarks, the Co-founder of Encouragement Initiative, Dr Bukunola Akinlesi urged the participants at the conference to forge ahead and continue to make positive impacts wherever they are.

Akinlesi urged the NGO participants at the conference to allow the passion for the advancement of humanity drive them and not the unstable economy currently experiencing in the country.

The highlights of the EI Alumni conference witnessed election of the Excos that would direct the affairs of the alumnus for the next two years with the emergence of Mrs. Temitope Bankole as the President of the EI Alumni while Mr. Oluwagbemi Tiamiyu would serve as the Vice President,  Dr. Adebusola Okedele as the General Secretary,  Mrs. Funmi Ogunro as the financial secretary and Mr. Wale Famodu would serve as the Public Relations Officer.