LOC plans structure for volunteerism with Eko 2012

To build structure for volunteerism in the country is one of the objectives of the volunteers programme put in place by the Local Organsing Committee (LOC) of the 18th National Sports Festival tagged Eko 2012.

According to the Volunteer Project Director for Eko 2012, Bisi Osunneye, the essence of the exercise was to develop a strategy for volunteering and volunteers, with proper structure set up and full engagement possibilities whereby the programme becomes general practice, which is sustainable and continuous.

His words: “The volunteer scheme represents socio-economic development in the Nigerian populace. It shows that the people are focusing on the development of the nation and unification of cultures and ethnicity under the umbrella of sports.

The Volunteer programme is designed to upscale the communication and service delivery competencies of the Lagos State Ministry of Sports in their capacity to deliver a world-class National Sports Festival by so doing deploying the use of volunteers as never seen before in this part of the world,” he said.

For personnel that will be engaged for the exercise, he said: “Different demographics are represented in the volunteer program and these people will be trained free of charge for three days by top trainers in customer service, communication skills, attitude, emotional intelligence, crowd control and conflict management and other essential skills.

 The scheme is well organised to deliver support to all sub-committees and participants during the festival. It is also designed to represent advancement in Nigeria and promote the unity and strength in the festival.

 He added that three categories of people like undergraduates, fresh graduates, and professionals would form the volunteers, saying, “these categories will be matched with duties but professional qualification, discipline and interest will have priority in volunteers delivery structure designation,” he said.

To ensure continuity, Osunneye said: “Data of calls and participation is being captured and analyzed by high tech applications and information technology professionals in order to appreciate the demographics that will be participating in the scheme.

 The volunteers would also be trained during the programme to develop a sense of social responsibility.

 “They will replicate this culture in their communities, giving back to orphanages, schools, old peoples homes and various need centres. After Eko 2012, the volunteers will be certified for being part of such a prestigious exercise and they will form a network for future events and a platform for nation building,” Osunneye said.