The Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, has urged non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to move beyond repeated funding requests and build lasting, trust-based relationships with donors and development partners.
Owotomo made the call on Saturday at the third Biennial Alumni Conference of the Encouragement Initiative Academy in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
The conference, themed “From Transactional Requests to Strategic Alliances,” brought together members of the academy’s alumni, government officials and stakeholders in the NGO sector.
The commissioner warned that partnerships built mainly around constant requests for financial assistance could lead to donor fatigue and weaken relationships between organisations and their supporters.
He advised NGOs to adopt a more strategic approach by identifying their needs, approaching suitable partners and developing relationships that create value for both sides.
According to him, NGOs must demonstrate efficient management of resources and show potential partners how their support can contribute to sustainable and measurable impact.
Owotomo stressed that stronger alliances would help organisations achieve their objectives while giving donors and other partners greater confidence in their ability to deliver meaningful results.
Also speaking at the event, the Founder and Executive Director of Encouragement Initiative, Dr Rotimiolu Akinlesi, said NGOs play an important role in complementing government efforts, noting that government alone cannot meet all the needs of citizens.
Akinlesi said the current economic situation had placed additional pressure on households and individuals who support vulnerable people, making stronger collaboration, solidarity and innovative approaches increasingly necessary.
The conference also featured a transition in the leadership of the Encouragement Initiative Academy Alumni, with Oluwagbemi Tiamiyu taking over as president for the next two years.
The event provided a platform for participants to discuss ways of strengthening partnerships, improving sustainability and enhancing the impact of NGOs in society.
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