- Says Overs 4,600 Lagosians Already Volunteered For COVID-19, Others
The Lagos State Government has extolled the altruism and resilience of residents and other stakeholders for their quest to complement efforts of the administration in the fight against the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic through volunteerism.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals and Investment, Mrs. Solape Hammond appreciated Lagosians while featuring on “Morning Digest” on LTV, saying that she was overwhelmed by the requests from different categories of persons who signified interest in contributing their quota to stem the spread of the virus and also lend a helping hand to those already infected by the disease.
Describing Volunteering as a passion for creating a better world, Hammond explained that the world needs the collective and determined efforts of everyone, particularly at this trying time in our country, and globally.
While noting that the State Government is formally building a volunteering team that will help in making a difference in every facet of human endeavour beyond the COVID-19 outbreak, she enjoined more Lagosians to imbibe the culture of volunteerism and sign up with the Lagos State Volunteer CORPS (LSVC) for the Greater Lagos project
“This critical period has shown that Nigerians have a good spirit, out of the goodness of their hearts, many people are coming forward to collaborate with the government in the delivery of quality services to residents”, she affirmed.
According to her, the idea of establishing the Lagos State Volunteer Corps (LSVC.ng) is premised on getting more people involved in the governance of the State, revealing that the initiative is in consonance with the practice in most developed economies.
The Special Adviser explained that with over 4,600 individuals already registered, the State has the prospect of assembling the largest team of passionate volunteers in the country, which she noted was highly commendable.
“This is a huge project that will be impactful to our policies as government. It will involve professionals in diverse fields, qualified counsellors, monitoring and evaluation personnel amongst other notable professionals”, she reiterated.
Hammond disclosed that part of efforts by the State Government to further encourage volunteerism is entrenching the Volunteer Corp, hinting that the Office of SDGs and Investment is already collaborating with the Ministry of Justice to perfect a law that will enshrine the process, rights and privileges of volunteerism in the State.
Speaking further, the Special Adviser pointed out that having taken cognisance of the fact that the health sector would require genuine volunteers at this time, her office identified individuals who are currently being screened and trained by the Ministry of Health to support the frontline health workers across the State.
She confirmed that the distribution of the relief package for the indigent and vulnerable members of the society being championed by the Ministry of Agriculture will, going forward, be enhanced with the help of volunteers to support the process.
While applauding the contribution of the private sector towards government efforts at making life convenient for citizens during this period, Hammond disclosed that more relief packages will be distributed by the Government as the second phase of the scheme commences in earnest with focus on the elderly Lagosians that have been pre-identified.
Emphasising the relevance of volunteering, the Special Adviser revealed that the project will provide opportunities for volunteers to learn new skills and become better persons, stressing that the scheme could also help to prepare the unemployed for better job placement.
On the process of engagement, the Special Adviser explained that volunteers have the right to determine projects of their choice.
She charged residents to come forward with an open mind, free spirit, commitment and passion to support the government in its quest to deliver good governance to the people.
“Irrespective of social, political and economic status, you are needed in this project. The rich, the poor, students, people living in the diaspora, retired professionals, employed, unemployed, civil servants, Lagosians, Lovers of the City of Lagos, everybody has a role to play in creating a Greater Lagos”, she submitted.
She, therefore, implored Lagosians to joined the Corp and register for participation online via www.lsvc.ng.
