Initiative for Peace and Comfort Participates in the 2025 Nigerian Network of NGOs (NNNGO) Annual Conference
The Initiative for Peace and Comfort (IPC) joined change makers, nonprofit leaders, and development experts at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Network of NGOs (NNNGO), held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, in Ilupeju, Lagos.
The organization was ably represented by the President, Prof. Comfort Onifade and the Project Manager, Michael Babatunde.
This year’s conference, themed “Advancing Solutions and New Institutional Support for the Nonprofit Sector,” convened some of the most influential voices shaping Nigeria’s civil society landscape. Discussions centered on localisation, innovation, collaboration, trust-building, and institutional reform — all aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s nonprofit ecosystem.
The event opened with a heartfelt welcome address by Dr. Gladys Ihunda, Vice Chair of the NNNGO Board of Trustees, who emphasized the importance of innovation, collaboration, and robust institutional systems in achieving sustainable development.
The keynote address, delivered by Toyin Akinniyi, Vice President (Africa) at Luminate, was both inspiring and deeply reflective of the nonprofit sector’s realities. She identified four major challenges confronting the sector — shrinking civic space, trust deficits, capacity gaps, and funding limitations — and urged 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.”
A major highlight of the conference was the plenary session titled “Advancing Solutions and New Institutional Support through Localization, Local Philanthropy, and Volunteering,” moderated by Oyindamola Aramide.
Panelists included:
Mosun Layode, Executive Director, African Philanthropy Forum (APF), who emphasized the need for Africans to lead Africa’s development through structured engagement between funders and grantees.
Solape Fayemi, Executive Director, Sohcahtoa Foundation, who encouraged nonprofits to adopt enterprise thinking, stating that it is “time to move from passion to enterprise.”
Oje Ivagba, Program Director, Ishk Tolaram Foundation, who underscored the need to localize aid through co-creation and shared learning.
Joshua Alade, Executive Director, Nigeria Youth SDGs Network, who called for structured volunteerism and greater youth engagement, noting that “volunteering fosters ownership and drives sustainable community transformation.”
The session concluded with a clear message — Nigeria’s third sector grows stronger through trust, collaboration, and co-creation, not competition.
A special Fireside Chat, moderated by Aderonke Oyelakin, Executive Director, Bimbo Odukoya Foundation, paid tribute to Professor Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, whose visionary leadership led to the founding of NNNGO.Speakers, including Yemisi Ransome-Kuti (NNNGO Board Member) and Dr. Abiola Tilley-Gyado, reflected on his integrity, inclusivity, and unwavering commitment to giving NGOs a voice in governance.
Participants were reminded that the nonprofit sector was built on principles of transparency, service, and collaboration — values that must continue to guide modern organizations.
There was an Annual General Meeting (AGM) that provided updates on the network’s activities and outlook. Mr. Oyebisi Oluseyi, Executive Director of NNNGO, highlighted the organization’s recognition as one of the most advanced and mature nonprofit networks in Nigeria. He discussed evolving tax regulations affecting the sector and reiterated the need for compliance and accountability.
A highlight of the AGM was the Long Service Award presented to Olaife Ilori, NNNGO’s Communication Officer, for a decade of dedicated service. The award was presented by Otunba Dele Ajayi Smith, Board Member, NNNGO Board of Trustees.
In his closing remarks, Oyebisi left participants with a resounding call to action: “Keep your house in order. Build systems. Train your people. Structure your organization. The future belongs to well-governed NGOs.”
While assuring of the networks continuous support to members, Oyebisi urged NGOs to prepare for tough regulations ahead and ensure all registrations and books and tidied up
For The Initiative for Peace and Comfort, participation in the 2025 NNNGO Annual Conference was a moment of deep learning and reaffirmation.
The experience reinforced IPC’s commitment to institutional strengthening, local collaboration, and sustainable impact within its programs and partnerships.