Voluntary Aid

12/08/2025

This year’s INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY theme, Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond, resonates deeply with our mission to empower youth to transform their communities through purposeful volunteerism, innovation, and civic leadership.
‎
‎With just five years to 2030, the clock is ticking on our global agenda to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. But it is in local streets, schools, markets, farms, tech hubs, and community spaces—not just conference halls—where the SDGs will truly be won or lost.
‎
‎From leading climate-smart farming initiatives, to organizing literacy programs for underserved children, to leveraging technology for clean water access, and so on... youth volunteers are turning local actions into global impact. Their actions prove that small, consistent efforts can catalyze systemic transformation.
‎
‎Today, as VADO celebrates YOU, we call on all young people to;
‎
‎•Be resilient—obstacles are inevitable, but your persistence builds the foundation for change.
‎•Be focused—align your efforts with the needs of your community and the SDGs.
‎•Be strategic—collaborate, measure your impact, and scale what works.
‎
‎At Voluntary Aid , we stand ready to support youth in leading local change with global impact—because the SDGs are not just global goals; they are personal commitments to our future.

23/06/2025

Today, I had the privilege of representing Voluntary Aid and Development Organisation (VADO) at the One-Day Consultative Stakeholders Workshop on Volunteerism, held in Abuja, Nigeria.
‎
‎The event was convened by the Nigerian National Volunteer Service (NNVS), a department under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), as part of ongoing national efforts to institutionalize volunteerism in Nigeria’s socio-economic development framework.
‎
‎This critical gathering brought together key stakeholders from across the voluntary sector, including representatives from different government MDAs, United Nations Volunteers UNV, Voluntary Service Overseas VSO, Red Cross and several others. where we discussed on the impact, challenges, opportunities and the future of volunteerism in Nigeria.
‎
‎The workshop reaffirmed a collective commitment toward building a Nigerian society where volunteerism contributes significantly to job creation, civic engagement, humanitarian outreach, and the accumulation of social and community capital.
‎
‎Notable personalities in attendance included:
‎
‎Engr. Nadungu Gagere, FNAIE, Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs, OSGF (Centre in photo)
‎
‎Madam Imaobong Equere, Director, Nigerian National Volunteer Service (Right in photo)
‎
‎And myself, Founder of Voluntary Aid and Development Organisation (VADO) (Left in photo)

Ebenezer Chris UN Volunteers Nigeria VSO Nigeria Nigerian Red Cross Society Federal Ministry Of Labour And Employment Federal Ministry of Youth Development
‎

19/06/2025

Global Dialogue on the Future of Volunteering

Voluntary Aid will be joining YASIF Nigeria in collaboration with IAVE to host a global dialogue to discuss key issues and actions needed to recognize, enable, and finance volunteering.

The insights gathered will inform a Global Call to Action for the Future of Volunteering, launching in 2026 as part of the International Volunteer Year (IVY 2026).

Join us as we build an ecosystem that will shape the future of volunteerism in Nigeria and beyond.



IAVE Volunteer Groups Alliance International Forum for Volunteering in Development Generation Unlimited UN Volunteers Nigeria

23/05/2025

Non-profit and volunteer work — broadly categorized as "volunteer services" — represent a significant segment of the global labour force and contribute meaningfully to national economies.

According to the United Nations Volunteers (2018), the global volunteer workforce is equivalent to over 109 million full-time workers, with approximately 70% engaged through informal channels. Yet, most countries lack reliable structures, policy frameworks, and social support systems to effectively measure, recognize, and integrate the value of volunteer services into national development planning and labour market statistics.

In response to this critical need, the Voluntary Aid and Development Organization (VADO) has been at the forefront of advocacy efforts, convening key stakeholders to establish a structured volunteering ecosystem that strengthens the voluntary sector’s contribution to socio-economic development in Nigeria.

We invite you to join us in advancing this important cause through the Taskforce on Volunteer Work Economy in Nigeria (VFORCE) — a national working group committed to shaping policies, systems, and opportunities for an inclusive volunteer economy.





Federal Ministry Of Labour And Employment
ILO ABUJA UN Volunteers Nigeria NECA ABUJA Swiss Development & Cooperation

01/05/2025

"MonthofMayVolunteeringCampaign"

Grassroots-Inclusion-for-Volunteering-Exchange (GIVE)

At Voluntary Aid and Development Organisation (VADO), we believe that volunteering is not charity—it is a strategic tool for youth empowerment, civic engagement, and social exchange.

One of our most impactful milestones was the 2019 International Volunteer Day (IVD) celebration, organized in collaboration with the Nigeria National Volunteer Service (NNVS) and supported by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of Imo State (OSGI). With over 300 participants, we proudly promoted the theme: "Volunteer – For an Inclusive Future."

The outcome was remarkable! Local volunteer-led initiatives gained grassroots support, and we recorded a significant increase in citizen participation across public and private sector-driven social services in Imo State.

Building on this, VADO is leveraging on volunteerism to create an inclusive social exchange model to reward, recognize and boost grassroots participation, where volunteers can bank their service hours and redeem them for tangible benefits. Through this system, TIME invested in volunteer work becomes a form of social capital, with a measurable economic value.

Join us.. Let’s make volunteering-time the new currency of civic engagement and social exchange.





Federal Ministry Of Labour And Employment NECA ABUJA ILO ABUJA UN Volunteers Federal Ministry of Youth Development German Missions in Nigeria

01/04/2025

- APRIL VOLUNTEERING CAMPAIGN MESSAGE.

***MAINSTREAMING OPPORTUNITIES FOR VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCES*** (MOVE)

People engage in volunteer work for a variety of reasons, including a desire to contribute to their communities, personal identity, skills development, building professional networks, improving employment prospects, and to promote causes they believe in; amongst others.

Unpaid care work and volunteering are integral to the well-being of societies, yet they remain undervalued and underrecognized, particularly when performed by women.

As the landscape of volunteering continues to evolve, greater attention must be paid to the gendered dimensions of volunteer work and the policies needed to ensure fair recognition and support.

In Voluntary Aid and Development Organization (VADO) we are committed towards ensuring that volunteers have the necessary resources, recognition, and support they need to help enhance their contributions, and to promote gender equality in volunteer opportunities.

By acknowledging and addressing these disparities, we can create a more inclusive and equitable framework for volunteerism, benefiting individuals, communities, and economies alike.





ILO ABUJA NECA ABUJA UN Volunteers
Federal Ministry Of Labour And Employment
Swiss Development & Cooperation

13/03/2025

PROMOTING FAIR TRADE THROUGH VOLUNTEERISM!

Volunteers play a crucial role in facilitating fair trade and market outcomes by promoting ethical business practices, consumer awareness, and corporate accountability. Through community participation, they help ensure transparency, fairness, and compliance in the marketplace.

As part of our advocacy and civic engagement efforts on "Empowering Communities through Fair Trade", Voluntary Aid and Development Organisation (VADO) is at the forefront of mobilizing consumers and local businesses to engage responsibly and transact sustainably, towards achieving fairer and safer marketplaces.

Deliverables:

✅ Educating consumers on their rights and responsibilities
✅ Advocating for policies that promote fair trade and ethical business practices
✅ Monitoring and reporting unfair market practices to support accountability
✅ Encouraging responsible entrepreneurship for sustainable economic growth

By volunteering, individuals become active participants in shaping a just and equitable economic system that benefits businesses, consumers, and society.
Join us in making markets work for everyone!
www.voluntaryaid.org





FCCPC Nigeria Fairtrade Foundation World Trade Organization - WTO AFCFTA-Association of Commodities Exchanges UN Volunteers

08/03/2025

UNLOCKING JOB OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH VOLUNTEERING!

Many young Nigerians struggle to secure jobs due to a lack of experience. Volunteering provides hands-on exposure in real work environments, making them more competitive in the job market.

At the Abuja Job Fair 3.0, held in December last year, young professionals had the opportunity to connect with potential employers across various industries. We are proud to have successfully profiled 83 young individuals for volunteer placements, service-learning opportunities, and exchange programs with both local and international host organizations.

Voluntary Aid' remains committed to linking young people with meaningful volunteering opportunities that match with their interests, skills and career aspirations.





IOM Nigeria NECA ABUJA Federal Ministry Of Labour And Employment Federal Ministry of Youth Development German Missions in Nigeria Swiss Development & Cooperation ILO ABUJA

06/03/2025

Learn about us...

Volunteers play an essential role in shaping our society. Their contributions have significantly advanced the social and economic development of nations, offering vital support to communities and organizations in need.

01/03/2025

From US to YOU

23/11/2022

Have you ever volunteered before? If Yes... please, kindly click on the link below to participate by sharing a brief story of your experience.
(Winning stories will emerge through online voting)

http://bit.ly/IVDStoryEntry