The Permanent Secretary in the Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr Rotimi Akinlesi has called for more collaboration and support for Non-Governmental Organisations giving support to the less privilege in the society so as to stay afloat the challenging economy.
Dr Akinlesi has also urged Nigerians to learn to support one another saying that the reality of the current harsh economy which is not only peculiar to Nigeria, demands that people should show love and genuine concern for the wellbeing of others.
The Permanent Secretary explained that the hyper inflation no doubt poses a great threat but the NGOs, particularly, those providing support services to the vulnerable must stay strong, open up for more partnerships and remain resilient and hopeful to continue to serve the people.
Dr Akinlesi disclosed this on Saturday while speaking during the 2nd biennial conference of the Encouragement Initiative Academy Alumni held in Ijebu-Ode with the theme "Strategising For Charitable Impact In A Challenging Economy".
The event had in attendance over 50 owners of NGOs who had at one time or the other received training on establishment and management of NGOs at the Encouragement Initiative Academy, Ijebu-Ode.
Akinlesi who founded the EI together with his wife, Dr Bukunola some years back said that the Academy has successfully trained over 450 individuals on the intricacies of establishing, funding and managing NGOs.
He said "while the contributions of NGOs to making our society better through their various interventions and support services cannot be overemphasised, the challenging economy is a big challenge and that is why individuals and coporate organisations must learn to intensify their support.
"The truth is that government all over the world cannot do it all alone, we all have to look at where we fit in and begin to impact the society for good.
"As owners of NGOs, we must stay strong, we must be resilient and pursue worthy collaboration and partnership that can add values to what we are doing to make the world better. We can't call it quit because of the economy
"And there is no better time than now for all of us to support one another. It makes the world better and enjoyable. At this time we must help someone, it is not all about money, it could be counselling, offering your expertise and a whole lot more in as much as it will help lift burdens and make the people happy".
Speaking on the theme of the conference, the guest speaker, Akintunde Akinmolayan urged the NGO owners to have a positive mind to pull through the prevailing economic conditions.
Akinmolayan who is the Executive Director, Wellness Africa Foundation told the participants that the country has a long history of unstable economy and so they should not allow the issue of the economy to dampen their morale.
He urged them to rather buckle up and be more determined to continue to do their bit to make the world better.
He said "Nigeria has always have challenges with her economy from a long time ago, so you can't say that you want to stop those things you have been doing that are touching lives, reshaping destinies for good and making our society better".
"What you rather need is a positive mind set. If you believe that despite the tough times you will keep going, you will surely have it but if you will rather focus on the economy you won't get anything done".
Akinmolayan also urged the NGOs to seek for further partnership while also cutting down costs on some frivolities that may be eating deep into their finances.
In her short 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 owners to allow the passion for the advancement of humanity drive them and not the unstable economy.
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