SHADE-IN participates in the 2025 NNNGO Annual Conference: Advancing Solutions and Institutional Strengthening in Nigeria’s Nonprofit Sector
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| Panel Session at the 2025 NNNGO Annual Conference |
The Executive Director, Saving Hand Development Initiative (SHADE-IN), Bliss Ojeruse, joined changemakers, nonprofit leaders, and development experts at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGO) held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at the Bimbo Odukoya Foundation Hall, Ilupeju, Lagos.
This year’s conference, themed “Advancing Solutions and New Institutional Support for the Nonprofit Sector,” brought together some of the most influential voices shaping Nigeria’s civil society landscape. The event focused on the pressing need for localisation, innovation, collaboration, trust-building, and institutional reform to strengthen the country’s nonprofit ecosystem.
The conference opened with a heartfelt welcome address by Dr. Gladys Ihunda, Vice Chair of the NNNGO Board of Trustees, who underscored the importance of innovation, collaboration, and strong institutional systems in achieving sustainable development.
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| Dr. Gladys Ihunda, Vice Chair of the NNNGO Board of Trustee giving her welcome address |
The keynote address by Toyin Akinniyi, Vice President, Africa at Luminate, was both inspiring and grounded in the realities of nonprofit work. She highlighted four major challenges affecting the sector — shrinking civic space, trust deficits, capacity gaps, and funding limitations — urging organizations to become “internal optimists and lifelong learners.”
“Local philanthropy exists,” she reminded participants, “and communities themselves can drive sustainable impact when we trust, collaborate, and invest in local solutions.”
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| Toyin Akinniyi, Vice President, Africa at Luminate, presenting her keynote speech |
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| L-R: Mr. Oyebisi Oluseyi, Executive Director, NNNGO, Toyin Akinniyi, Vice President, Africa at Luminate, Bliss Ojeruse, Executive Director, SHADE-IN, Joshua Alade, Executive Director of Nigeria Youth SDGs Network |
The plenary session on “Advancing Solutions and New Institutional Support through Localization, Local Philanthropy and Volunteering” explored how nonprofits can take ownership of Africa’s development narrative. Moderated by Oyindamola Aramide, the session featured a diverse panel of leaders:
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| Oyindamola Aramide, Moderator of the panel session with Bliss Ojeruse |
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| Panel Session at the 2025 NNNGO Annual Conference |
Mosun Layode, Executive Director of the African Philanthropy Forum (APF), emphasized that Africans must lead Africa’s development. She explained that while numerous local foundations exist, very few serve as true funders. Through initiatives like Star Point and Ask a Funder Anything, APF is bridging trust gaps and creating structured engagement between funders and grantees.
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| L-R: Blessed Hamed Musa, Women's Technology Empowerment Center, Mosun Kayode, Executive Director, African Philanthropy Forum, Bliss Ojeruse, Executive Director, SHADE-IN |
Solape Fayemi, Executive Director of Sohcahtoa Foundation, spoke on social innovation and enterprise thinking. She encouraged nonprofits to adopt business-oriented approaches to sustainability, stating that “it’s time to move from passion to enterprise thinking.”
Oje Ivagba, Program Director at Ishk Tolaram Foundation, stressed the importance of driving localisation of aid by looking beyond financial assistance to focus on impact, co-creation, and shared learning.
Joshua Alade, Executive Director of Nigeria Youth SDGs Network, highlighted the role of volunteerism in national development. He called for structured volunteer programs and stronger youth engagement, noting that “volunteering fosters ownership and drives sustainable community transformation.”
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| Executive Director, SHADE-IN, Bliss Ojeruse with one of the Speakers, Joshua Alade, Executive Director of Nigeria Youth SDGs Network |
The plenary underscored that the strength of Nigeria’s third sector lies in trust, collaboration, and co-creation, not competition.
Following the insightful and engaging Plenary Session, the conference featured a Fireside Chat moderated by Aderonke Oyelakin, Executive Director, Bimbo Odukoya Foundation. The chat honoured Professor Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, whose visionary leadership and advocacy laid the foundation for the creation of NNNGO.
Speakers, including Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, member NNNGO Board and Dr. Abiola Tilley-Gyado who spoke virtually, reflected on his integrity, inclusivity, and commitment to ensuring NGOs were represented in every government-led initiative during his tenure as Minister of Health.
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| Aderonke Oyelakin, Executive Director, Bimbo Odukoya Foundation and Ms. Yemisi Ransome-Kuti at the Fireside Chat. |
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| Ms. Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, member of NNNGO Board with Bliss Ojeruse, SHADE-IN ED. |
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| Aderonke Oyelakin, Executive Director, Bimbo Odukoya Foundation with Bliss Ojeruse, SHADE-IN ED. |
Participants were reminded that the nonprofit sector was built on the principles of transparency, service, and collaboration — values that must continue to guide today’s organisations.
The highlight of the event was the Annual General Meeting (AGM), where Mr. Oyebisi Oluseyi, Executive Director of NNNGO, delivered a detailed update on the network’s ongoing initiatives, financial outlook, and strategic direction for the coming year.
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| Mr. Oyebisi Oluseyi, Executive Director of NNNGO, facilitating the AGM |
He revealed that the NNNGO has been recognized as one of the most advanced and mature nonprofit networks in Nigeria, following a research assessment.
Mr. Oyebisi also discussed evolving tax regulations affecting nonprofit organizations, emphasizing the importance of compliance and transparency.
During the AGM, an award of long service was given to Olaife Ilori, NNNGO Communication Officer, who has served with NNNGO for ten years with utmost dedication. The award was presented by Otunba Dele Ajayi Smith, Board member, NNNGO Board of Trustees.
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| Otunba Dele Ajayi Smith, NNNGO Board member and Olaife Ilori, award recipient, during the award presentation |
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| Olaife Ilori responding in appreciation of the award |
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| Olaife Ilori and Bliss Ojeruse at the Conference |
The AGM concluded with a powerful call to action: “Keep your house in order. Build systems. Train your people. Structure your organization. The future belongs to well-governed NGOs.”
The Conference was anchored by Tawakalit.
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| Tawakalit moderating the NNNGO Annual Conference, 2025 |
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| Tawakalit, Compere, NNNGO Annual Conference, 2025, with Bliss Ojeruse, ED, SHADE-IN |
Participating in the 2025 NNNGO Annual Conference was a moment of deep learning and reaffirmation for SHADE-IN.
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| The Executive Director, SHADE-IN, Bliss Ojeruse at the 2025 NNNGO Annual |
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At SHADE-IN, we are inspired to continue building stronger frameworks for accountability, fostering partnerships that empower local communities, and advancing inclusive development that leaves no one behind.
As the conference closed, one message resonated clearly: “To advance solutions, we must strengthen our institutions, reimagine collaboration, and ensure our work creates lasting impact.”
#NNNGOAnnualConference2025 #LocalWorkforGlobalImpact #SHADEIN
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This is massive. Congratulations Team.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. We win together. We would be glad to meet you if you don't mind.
DeleteMenitos Charity Foundation here. We were present and it was a very enlightens session. The networking opportunity or presented was awesome as well
ReplyDeleteIt's great meeting you, Menitos Charity Foundation. Indeed, it was. Let's keep influencing social change through localisation, collaboration, institutional strengthening and other strategies proposed.
DeleteFriends in need empowerment initiative we are there, the session was wonderful experience
ReplyDeleteWe are elated to meet you, Friends in Need Empowerment Initiative. Let's keep raising the bar of social development.
DeleteCalled to shine foundation join virtually the session was indeed a wonderful one and an eye opener
ReplyDeleteHossanah Help Foundation, present at the conference, every sections in the program are insightful and Impactful.
ReplyDeleteED, Preston Development Foundation (PDF-Africa) was present at the conference. An enlighting and refreshing impactful event. Well done ED and team NNNGO.
ReplyDelete