WELCOME ADDRESS ON THE OCCASION OF THE FLAG OFF CEREMONY OF INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY AT COLLEGE OF HEALTH TECHNOLOGY CALABAR

[BEN USANG]

A WELCOME ADDRESS PRESENTED BY LEADER BEN USANG,   ACTING PRESIDENT/CHAIRMAN,BOARD OF TRUSTEES,CROSS RIVER STATE CIVIL SOCIETY NETWORK AND FOUNDER,CROSS RIVER ASSOCIATION FOR VOLUNTEER EFFORT(CRAVE) AT THE FLAG OFF EVENT OF THE 2015 INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY                                                  HELD AT THE COLLEGE OF HEALTH TECHNOLOGY,CALABAR                                         ON THE 5^TH OF DECEMBER,2015

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The Chairman of the Occasion,

The Special Guest of Honour,

Guests of Honour,

Special Guest,

Representatives of Partner Public Sector Ministries, Department and Agencies,

Representatives of Civil Society Organisations,

Representatives of Private Sector Organisations,

Representatives of Partner Media Organisations,

Representatives of Partner Communities,

Representatives of Volunteer Clubs,

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am very delight to address you on this auspicious occasion marking the 2015 International Volunteer Day which is being organised by my Organisation, Cross River State Civil Society Network, alongside its partners, for a third consecutive year though in the two previous years, the occasion held at the Federal Secretariat Conference Hall, Calabar. The celebration last year was part of the maiden edition of our Civil Society Conference on Governance, Accountability and Development.

The question that will be on the mind of many will be why has a Civil Society Network more concerned with  representing  Civil Society Organisations and as well as having it purview also concerned with many other development issues, remained interested in Celebration a day set aside for Volunteers? For me the answer to the question has been clear from the onset as I firmly believe that the work of civil Society Organisations will be in futility if the actions and activities of Volunteer was not the cornerstone and foundation of those organisation. Let me also state that the relationship between Volunteers and Civil Society Organisation is mutually beneficial as many Volunteers utilise the activities and programs of civil society organisation as a rare opportunity to sharpen their skills and occupy themselves for a worthy cause instead of having nothing to do that is meaningful. Many of the Volunteers have go ahead to establish their own organisation after few years of volunteering their precious time for another organisation they receive little or nothing from.

Let me at this point, endorse fully the choice by the United Nation of the theme of this years celebration coming on the heels of the passage of the Post 2015 new Global Agenda for Sustainable Development. Dialogue on the vital role of Volunteerism to the success of the global goals brings about a cross reflection of specific ways of how volunteerism can adequately contribute to the attainment of the new Global Goals. Am fully convinced that  sustainably developed societies cannot exist without the sacrificial and voluntary involvement of citizens of that society no matter the financial or natural resource wealth that its at the disposal of that  society. Today’s event will attempt to kick start strategies that make possible the Dialogue between various identified stakeholders.

While I will avoid to go into details on the activities set out for todays celebration, i cannot ignore the relevance of the volunteer award that we have sustained successfully for the past three years. We are also taking the bold initiative to inaugurate a new Executive Council for the Cross River Association for Volunteer Effort(CRAVE) after several years  of the Association dormancy.

 In September 2015, world leader committed to 17 Global Goals to sustainably end poverty, fight inequality and injustice and address climate change over the next 15 years.

To determine the Global Goals, the United Nations undertook a rigorous and inclusive decision making process, ultimately identifying 169 targets for the global community to measure success.

The new sustainable development agenda provides a strong frame-work for global peace and development efforts for all people and countries, regardless of their economy or social status.

          

The Global Goals require significant collective response and reaching them may seem daunting, particularly for the average individual.

We are far more likely to see the groundswell needed to meet the Global Goals if people understand how they can be a part of reaching them.      

This work cannot be done in isolation. Volunteerism offers a powerful and realistic means to achieving the Global Goals.

 

 

 

Volunteers are recognized as being at the heart of achieving the goals, through direct implementation, by sharing their skills, through engagement with communities and individuals in their work, and by providing the link between governments and citizens so there is accountability and transparency in our efforts. On this day set aside to celebrate and galvanize the potentials of Volunteers am confident that we can all work together with members of Cross River State Civil Society Network, the Cross River Association for Volunteer Effort, African Dignity Foundation, International Development Cooperation Agencies, Youth Development Academy, Lawyers without Borders, Veterinarians without Borders and many others to ensure the realization of these laudable Global Goals for Sustainable Development and to Monitor and Evaluate progress made by other Stakeholders towards its realization . 

 

Let me also use this opportunity to call on all participants in today’s occasion to understand and value the contributions and commitment volunteers make as they work to build more Equitable and Sustainable State.I will like to note the support of the Cross River State Government  particularly the Commissioners for Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Youth Development .

 

It is my hope that today’s celebration will bring about the building of  a more connected state through the sharing of skills and tackling development challenges utilising the power and dedication of our volunteers. It is certainly my believe that  we can work towards a state where each and every person has the privilege to reach their full potential regardless of where they were born.

It is without doubt that Cross Riverians will bring a wealth of knowledge and specialized abilities to volunteering thereby  yielding strong impacts within the Global Goal. Their valuable professional expertise strengthens public institution and  supports fragile communities, they deliver specialized services, transfer their skills and expertise and foster exchange of good practices; they served as brokers of engagement, connecting strategies and initiatives with complementary and essential Community Voluntary Action.

 CRAVE is a veritable platform for many skilled volunteers who are committed to sharing their expertise for the development of  the State.

Volunteerism will strengthen friendship across ethnic groups and helps to build  stronger and durable communities open to what others have to offer to them at almost no cost

As we celebrate the 2015 IVD, we share in the knowledge that, through volunteering, we can deliver strategic responses to development issues, so we all play our past in achieving the Global Goals.          

As we depart from this Flag Off event let us endeavour to be part of our Community Focused Event in Uwanse Community of Calabar South Local Government Area. In 2013 we had held the same event at the Diamond Hill Community of Calabar Municipality.

At this juncture without further ado let me graciously welcome you to this Flag Off Ceremony and request that you participate actively in all aspect.Thanks and God Bless us all.