The Cross River State Command of Man O’ War Nigeria on Saturday joined the rest of the world to celebrate the 2025 International Volunteers’ Day, reaffirming the critical role of volunteerism in societal development.
Speaking during the celebration at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), the State Commander of Man O’ War, Mr. Nsikak Effiong, who also serves as the Chairman, Uniformed/Voluntary Youth Organizations, Cross River State Chapter, described volunteers as “the heart of development.”
According to him, volunteers are individuals who willingly commit their time, energy, and resources to the development of their communities without expectation of financial reward.
“Volunteers are people who come together or act individually to contribute to the development of society without payment. Whatever little support we receive comes from freewill donations,” he explained.
Mr. Effiong noted that the celebration was not limited to Man O’ War members alone but extended to all volunteers across Cross River State and Nigeria at large.
He further described Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, as the Chief Volunteer of the State, stressing that leadership itself is an act of volunteer service.
“His Excellency was not employed by anybody. He willingly offered himself to serve the people. The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, commissioners, and other public office holders are also volunteers, earning honorariums, not salaries, considering the sacrifices they make,” he said.
The Man O’ War commander emphasized that development cannot be achieved without volunteerism, urging citizens to render voluntary services wherever they find themselves.
He explained that volunteerism goes beyond organized groups, adding that simple civic actions such as proper waste disposal, picking up litter, and reporting wrongdoing are all forms of voluntary service.
“When you see something wrong and speak up or act responsibly, you are rendering voluntary service,” he added.
Mr. Effiong said the walk to the University of Calabar was aimed at encouraging young people to embrace volunteerism, noting that the development of both the university and Cross River State depends largely on citizens’ willingness to serve selflessly.
He also called on government at all levels to support volunteers by providing necessary tools and resources to enable them to perform their duties effectively.
In his closing remarks, he thanked the University of Calabar community for providing the platform to celebrate the 2025 International Volunteers’ Day.
“God bless Nigeria. God bless Cross River State. God bless the University of Calabar,” he concluded.
