By Atobatele Kabir A.
In recent times, the impact of NGO’s cannot be overemphasized in the society. Some people took up the responsibility to impact young individuals with communication, leadership, managerial, entrepreneurial, digital skills, to bridge the vacuum created by the government and decision makers-due to the challenges faced by citizens with time, as a means to strike a balance.
A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) was coined by the United Nations (UN). A committe was set up on NGO which was later established by Economic and Social Council ECOSOC resolution under the act E/RES/3(II) of 21st June, 1946, to operate independently of government. An NGO is a non profit, citizen based group that functions independently of government set up to serve specific roles in outstanding contributions to the amelioration of the society attributed to one or more of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s).
However, several NGO’s have been in existence locally, nationally and internationally. They are upfront in their duties, making impacts, influencing lives and receiving recognitions despite the numbers of shortcomings along this selfless sacrificing services, such as lack of long term strategic planning, not-so-smart networking, choice of appointing best fit roles, daunting teamwork, politization of Organisation, incessant monitoring teams, Insufficient funding and lack of grants and international recognition.
Obviously, insufficient fund has been one of the major ailment for infant (growing) NGO’s, while the antidote surrounds strategic fund raising skills. But some questions need to be asked; Who are the caliber of people we have as patrons, matrons, board members and other financial contributors? What type of activities do we engaged in? How impactful is this activities on our target audiences and the society? How effective do we extend network?
Moreover, through maximum dedications and commitments, reputable Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO’s) built through creativity, transparency, accountability and fidelity is expected to look out for government and foreign grants, institutional funds, individual donations, voluntary rewards and prices to ensure its sustainability, attain required recognition and affect the lives of the citizens.
Here are the lists of active NGO’s in Nigeria ranked as at 2017: Let’s talk Humanity, Action Aid International Nigeria, Access to Education for Children, Action Health Incorporated (AHI), All Nigerian United Nations Students Association (ANUNSA), Junior Chambers International Nigeria (JCIN) to mention a few.
