Il commissario Ogun esorta le ONG a creare fiducia e partnership

At a recent conference in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, the Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, called on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and foundations to shift from transactional partnerships to long-term, trust-based collaborations. The remarks came during the third biennial conference of the Encouragement Initiative Academy Alumni, which took place over the weekend. The event, themed “From Transactional Request to Strategic Alliances,” aimed to foster dialogue between government representatives, NGO leaders, and other stakeholders in the development sector. Owotomo emphasized the need for NGOs to maintain transparency and accountability in their operations, ensuring that funds allocated for specific causes are used appropriately. He warned against the misuse of donated resources and underscored the importance of maintaining the integrity of charitable endeavors. Speaking with reporters after delivering the keynote address, Owotomo highlighted that the primary goal of the conference was to encourage sustainable and impactful relationships between the public and private sectors. The conference brought together a diverse group of participants, including government officials, NGO representatives, and community leaders. Among them was Dr. Rotimiolu Akinlesi, founder of the Encouragement Initiative Academy, whose organization focuses on human capital development and support for marginalized communities. Akinlesi welcomed the opportunity to engage with government officials and fellow NGO practitioners to explore ways of enhancing the effectiveness of their collective efforts. Owotomo acknowledged the critical role played by NGOs in complementing governmental efforts to address societal challenges. He noted that while the government plays a central role in national development, it cannot tackle all issues alone. He pointed out that NGOs often serve as vital partners at the local, state, and federal levels, helping to bridge gaps in service delivery and resource allocation. This collaborative approach, according to Owotomo, ensures that more comprehensive solutions are developed to meet the needs of the population. Dr. Akinlesi echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the necessity for NGOs to build credibility and visibility in order to secure sustained support from donors. He cautioned against becoming a burden to potential supporters, stressing that while NGOs require assistance to carry out their missions, they must also demonstrate their value and reliability. His comments reflected a broader concern within the NGO sector about maintaining donor confidence and avoiding dependency on external funding. During the conference, discussions revolved around practical strategies for strengthening NGO operations and fostering meaningful partnerships with both the government and private sector entities. Participants explored topics ranging from effective fundraising techniques to the importance of strategic planning in achieving long-term goals. These conversations aimed to equip NGO leaders with the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of modern philanthropy and development work. The event concluded with a reaffirmation of the commitment to building resilient and mutually beneficial relationships between NGOs and government agencies. Attendees expressed optimism about the future of collaborative efforts in driving positive change across Ogun State and beyond. As the conference drew to a close, the focus remained on creating a framework that supports sustainable development and empowers communities through shared responsibility and cooperation.