BUSARI ABBAS

NNNGO Annual Conference – Plenary Session: Advancing Solutions and New Institutional Support for the Nonprofit Sector

NNNGO Annual Conference 2025
November 12, Lagos, Nigeria. 

The Nigeria Network of NGOs hosted an insightful plenary session at its 2025 Annual Conference, themed “Advancing Solutions and New Institutional Support for the Nonprofit Sector.” The session convened leading voices in philanthropy, youth development, foundations, and nonprofit leadership to explore how localisation, philanthropy, and volunteerism can work together to transform Nigeria’s development landscape.

The discussion was moderated by Ms. Oyindamola Aramide, Senior Programme Officer at the Nigeria Network of NGOs, who set the tone by emphasizing the urgency of strengthening systems that enable nonprofits to deliver sustainable societal impact.

Distinguished Panelists:

Ms. Mosun Layode, Executive Director, African Philanthropy Forum

Ms. Solape Fayemi, CEO, SohcahToa Foundation

Mr. Oje Ivagba, Program Director, Ishk Tolaram Foundation

Mr. Joshua Alade, Executive Director, Nigeria Youth SDGs Network

Together, they unpacked the evolving realities of the nonprofit ecosystem and shared actionable insights on how meaningful support can be scaled across communities.

Key Insights From the Conversation

  1. Localisation as the Pathway to Sustainable Impact

Panelists agreed that local actors are central to driving effective and context-specific solutions. They highlighted the need for increased investment in community-based organisations who possess the cultural understanding, trust, and long-term commitment required to solve complex development challenges.

  1. Philanthropy Must Become More Inclusive and Strategic

Ms. Layode stressed on the importance of building a stronger culture of giving in Africa, encouraging philanthropists, private sector players, and everyday citizens to support social causes, with data-driven philanthropy, transparency, and collaboration to ensure that resources reach the organisations best positioned to make impacts.

  1. Volunteerism as a Catalyst for Social Change

From youth-led initiatives to cross-sector partnerships, the session drew on how volunteerism remains a powerful tool for mobilising communities, amplifying nonprofit reach, and nurturing future leaders. Mr. Alade highlighted the growing momentum of youth engagement as a mechanism for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

  1. Innovative, People-Centred Approaches Are Key

The speakers called for adaptive systems, flexible funding mechanisms, and supportive institutional policies that allow nonprofits to thrive. Strengthening organisational capacity, improving governance structures, and leveraging technology were also identified as important pathways for building a resilient nonprofit ecosystem.

A Collective Call to Action

The plenary session reinforced a shared understanding: Nigeria’s development challenges require coordinated, community-led, and innovative solutions. By strengthening localisation, promoting a culture of philanthropy, and expanding opportunities for volunteerism, stakeholders can drive lasting social change and enhance the effectiveness of the nonprofit sector.

As the nonprofit landscape continues to evolve, the NNNGO remains committed to convening leaders, fostering collaboration, and enabling organisations to build stronger systems for greater impact.