PLAN Health Advocacy and Development Foundation hosted a comprehensive 2-day Board Governance Training for its Board Members and Senior Staff, followed by a 1-day Joint Board and General Staff Meeting/Training which was held at the Conference Hall of Le Ville Hotel, Aleshinloye, Ibadan from August 14th to 16th, 2024. The event served as a dynamic capacity-building and strategic exercise, aiming to strengthen the governance and operational effectiveness of the organization.
The training, which were led by seasoned development consultants, Dr. Taiwo Benson of the Foundation for Community Health, Rights and Development (FOCHRID) and Mr. Mayowa Joel, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Stop TB Partnership, focused on equipping board members with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively oversee PLAN Foundation’s operations and ensure its long-term success. Dr. Benson stressed the importance of robust governance practices as foundational to the organization’s mission of improving public health and social welfare.
The event began with presentations from all departments within the organization Administration, Programs, Finance, Monitoring and Evaluation, Logistics, and Media providing a comprehensive overview of the achievements and challenges faced in recent years. These reports set the stage for targeted capacity-building sessions designed to enhance the strategic capabilities of both board and staff members.
A highlight of the training was a session on “Strengthening NGO-Government Relations – Opportunities for Complementing One Another in the Public Interest,” conducted by Mr. Kunle Oke, Director of Social Welfare at the Oyo State Ministry of Women Affairs. Mr. Oke emphasized the critical role of NGOs and government bodies working together to serve the public more effectively. By leveraging the strengths of both entities, NGOs’ grassroots connections and innovative strategies, and the government’s resources and regulatory authority — there is potential for more impactful and inclusive public service delivery that meets the diverse needs of communities.
The training also featured a masterclass on “Building Stronger Partnerships for a Sustainable Future,” facilitated virtually by Mrs. Adenike Adeyemi, Executive Director of Fate Foundation, Lagos. Mrs. Adeyemi stressed the importance of financial sustainability for non-profits, noting that while they must operate on a not-for-profit basis, maintaining financial health is crucial. She urged the organization to explore new revenue streams and innovative approaches to generating profits that can be reinvested into mission-driven activities. Her insights emphasized the need for NGOs to balance their social impact objectives with sound financial management to ensure long-term viability and effectiveness.
In addition, Mr. Faysol Oluwakemi, Executive Director of FOHC, led an engaging discussion on “Promoting Religious Harmony in the Workplace.” He highlighted the importance of fostering an inclusive environment where individuals from diverse religious backgrounds feel respected and valued. Mr. Oluwakemi argued that promoting religious harmony goes beyond mere tolerance; it involves cultivating a culture of mutual understanding and respect. He pointed out that such an environment can reduce workplace conflicts, enhance teamwork, and boost overall morale and productivity.
The retreat also included a thorough review of several key organizational policies, particularly those related to Human Resources and Finance. The Human Resources policy was updated to align with best practices that enhance staff welfare, professional development, and performance management. Meanwhile, the Finance policy was scrutinized to improve financial management, transparency, and accountability, ensuring all financial activities support the Foundation’s mission and strategic goals. These policy reviews reflect PLAN Foundation’s commitment to continuous improvement and organizational excellence.
Overall, the 2-day training and subsequent joint meeting were marked by a spirit of collaboration and learning, reinforcing the board and staff’s commitment to advancing the Foundation’s mission. The insights gained and strategies developed during these sessions will undoubtedly strengthen PLAN Foundation’s capacity to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in the ever-evolving landscape of public health and social development.
