Oyedijo, who holds the traditional title of Aare, received the honour at Nigeria’s inaugural National Volunteer Conference, organised to mark the United Nations International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026.
The conference attracted government representatives, policymakers, development partners, civil society organisations and volunteer practitioners to explore ways of strengthening volunteerism and harnessing its potential to support national development.
His recognition comes as discussions intensify around the need for a coordinated national framework to organise volunteer activities, encourage citizen participation and strengthen collaboration between government institutions and civil society groups.
Oyedijo’s professional work has centred on building the capacity of civil society organisations, strengthening institutional structures and fostering partnerships among public institutions, development agencies and community-based organisations.
He serves as National Coordinator of the Support for Civil Society Organisations Initiative (S4CSOI) and Country Director of Saffron Social Development Global Foundation. Through these roles, he has been involved in programmes covering community development, child safeguarding, youth empowerment, education and social inclusion.
His advocacy promotes volunteerism as more than individual acts of goodwill, highlighting the importance of policies, institutions and accountability systems that can sustain public participation and translate collective efforts into measurable development outcomes.
A structured national volunteerism framework, supported by effective coordination mechanisms, could enable organisations to mobilise volunteers more efficiently and align their activities with development priorities at national, state and community levels.
The conference provided an opportunity for stakeholders to consider how volunteerism could be incorporated into development planning while encouraging stronger partnerships among government, civil society and the private sector.
Oyedijo’s award highlights his engagement in civil society development and draws attention to the wider task of establishing a sustainable volunteerism system in Nigeria.
His work covers institutional capacity building, community participation and public policy advocacy, with a focus on strengthening the contribution of civil society organisations to social and economic development.
A project management professional, certified social worker and public policy advocate, Oyedijo has also worked on initiatives promoting institutional accountability, safeguarding vulnerable people and expanding opportunities for young people and communities.
The recognition further underscores the potential contribution of volunteers to tackling social challenges, particularly through organised community action that complements the work of public institutions and development partners.
About Oluwasegun Oyedijo
Chief Aare Oluwasegun Oyedijo is a Nigerian civil society leader and community development specialist. He is the National Coordinator of the Support for Civil Society Organisations Initiative and Country Director of Saffron Social Development Global Foundation.
His areas of work include civil society system strengthening, child safeguarding, youth empowerment, education, social inclusion and sustainable community development.
