Nigerian civil society leader and community development expert Oluwasegun Oyedijo has received the United Nations Ambassador of National Volunteerism Policy and System Leadership Award, recognising his work in civil society development, policy advocacy and community engagement.
Oyedijo, who holds the traditional title of Aare, received the award at Nigeria’s first National Volunteer Conference, held to commemorate the United Nations International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026.
The conference brought together government officials, policymakers, development partners, civil society organisations and volunteer practitioners to discuss how volunteerism could contribute more effectively to Nigeria’s development.
The recognition comes amid growing attention to the need for stronger institutional frameworks to coordinate volunteer activities, build public participation and improve collaboration between government agencies and civil society groups.
Oyedijo’s work has focused on strengthening civil society organisations, improving institutional capacity and promoting partnerships among public institutions, development organisations and community-based groups.
As National Coordinator of the Support for Civil Society Organisations Initiative (S4CSOI) and Country Director of Saffron Social Development Global Foundation, he has been involved in initiatives addressing community development, child safeguarding, youth empowerment, education and social inclusion.
His advocacy centres on the role of volunteerism beyond individual acts of goodwill, emphasising the need for policies and institutions that can sustain citizen participation and channel it towards measurable development outcomes.
A national volunteerism framework, supported by effective coordination and accountability mechanisms, could help organisations mobilise volunteers more systematically and align their contributions with development priorities at national, state and community levels.
The conference provided a platform for stakeholders to examine ways of integrating volunteerism into development planning and strengthening partnerships across government, civil society and the private sector.
For Oyedijo, the award recognises his engagement in civil society development while highlighting the broader challenge of building a sustainable volunteerism system in Nigeria.
His work spans institutional capacity development, community engagement and public policy advocacy, areas that intersect with efforts to strengthen the contribution of civil society organisations to social and economic development.
Oyedijo is a project management professional, certified social worker and public policy advocate. His development work includes efforts to promote institutional accountability, protect vulnerable populations and expand opportunities for young people and communities.
The award also places renewed emphasis on the role of volunteers in addressing social challenges, particularly where coordinated community action can complement the work of public institutions and development partners.
About Oluwasegun Oyedijo
Chief Aare Oluwasegun Oyedijo is a community development expert and civil society leader. He serves as National Coordinator of the Support for Civil Society Organisations Initiative and Country Director of Saffron Social Development Global Foundation.
His areas of engagement include civil society system strengthening, child safeguarding, youth empowerment, education, social inclusion and sustainable community development.
