3NCA/ADM/261/1/vol.i

23 September 2004

Establishment of a Nigerian National Volunteer Service by the Federal Government of Nigeria I wish to inform you that the Federal Government of Nigeria has established a Volunteer Service known as the Nigerian National Volunteer Service (NNVS), with its coordinating office situated at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Abuja. The NNVS was established in response to the needs and desires of Nigerians in Diaspora, to participate in nation building. It would among others, serve as the national focal point and liaison with Nigerians in Diaspora Organisations. It would also build and develop partnership with Federal and State Government Agencies, the private sector and various institutions that require the professional skills of volunteers. The principal objectives of the N.N.V. S. are as follows: act as the national focal point and liaison with the Nigerians in the Diaspora Organisation, especially for the fulfilment of its objectives; tap into the huge reservoir of skills, knowledge and experience of Nigerian professionals abroad for national development; utilise the skills, knowledge and experiences of Nigerians, who during their career in the private sector or after retirement from the public service are willing to offer their services in volunteer work to provide and impart special skills that are required and not available at certain levels of government or the private sector; building and develop partnership with Federal and State government agencies and various institutions that might require the professional skills of volunteers; specifically develop programs to assist the local government councils in the fields of administration, book keeping, accountancy and other areas of specialisation and; strengthen the capacity of local communities and community based organisations. Due to the importance the present administration attaches to the Nigerian National Volunteer Service (N.N.V.S.), all Nigerian Diplomatic Missions abroad have been requested to re-energise, revitalise and reorganise Nigerians in Diaspora Organisations (N.I.D.O.), with the aim of ensuring the emergence of a dynamic and committed leadership through a well structured and professionally managed organisation capable of mobilising and nurturing the collective will and interests of Nigerians abroad. The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisations will also serve as a data-base of all Nigerian Professionals abroad. The High Commission has commenced the processes of identifying highly skilled Nigerian Professionals in various fields within Australia, with a view of bringing them together as one body with a common goal. This will not in anyway jeopardise or conflict with the activities of the already existent Nigerian Community organisations which we so much cherish and identify with. It would be highly appreciated if the names, qualifications, professions, and contact addresses/Tel. Nos. of interested professionals are forwarded to us as soon as possible Warm regards Charles N. Onianwa Deputy High Commissioner (For High Commissioner)