In a strategic move to fortify the integrity of the non-profit sector, the Ondo State Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Self-Regulation Champions have launched a comprehensive training initiative focused on accountability, transparency, and operational efficiency. The program, which recently concluded its first phase in Ondo State, aims to equip grassroots organizations with the necessary frameworks to operate autonomously while meeting international standards.
Building Autonomy Through Accountability
The initiative seeks to create a robust ecosystem where non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can flourish without external interference by adhering to strict internal ethics. Addressing the participants, the leader of the initiative, High Chief Akomolafe Pius, emphasized that the primary goal is to foster a culture of voluntary compliance and credibility.
“We are here to disseminate what we call self-regulation for NGOs a system that makes them autonomous, self-regulated, and credible to operate without any hindrance or embarrassment,” High Chief Akomolafe Pius stated. “An organisation that is not transparent can never be accountable. This training is to transform organisations and lift them to a level where any local or international donor will find them worthy of trust.”
Strengthening Peer-Based Oversight
The training emphasized that self-regulation is not merely an internal affair but a collective responsibility. Facilitators highlighted the importance of peer-based regulation, where networks of NGOs work together to enforce minimum operational standards and correct lapses within the sector.
Executive Director of the Emmanuel World Children Foundation, Mr. Emmanuel Adaramola, explained that establishing these structures is essential for public confidence. He noted that when NGOs demonstrate measurable results and feedback loops, it becomes easier for stakeholders to identify where to channel their resources.
“Each organisation is expected to have a regulatory system within itself, while also working with peer organisations and networks to ensure compliance with agreed standards,” Adaramola said. He further noted that such collaboration ensures that improved resource management translates directly into greater benefits for the intended beneficiaries in society.
Scaling for Future Impact
This inaugural session involved a select group of 25 organizations, representing a significant first step toward reaching the over 100 NGOs currently operating within Ondo State. Notably, the program was entirely self-funded by a group of nine facilitators who underwent specialized training three months ago, demonstrating a commitment to the cause without reliance on external or international grants.
Participants expressed high levels of optimism regarding the future of the sector. Mrs. Bola Inyang, CEO of the Speaking Voice of Hope for the Less Privileged Initiative, described the session as an “eye-opening” experience that would fundamentally change how her organization approaches governance and donor relations. As the initiative moves forward, subsequent batches of training are expected to bring more CSOs under the umbrella of self-regulation, further stabilizing the civil society landscape in the region.
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