Every strong organization is built on more than passion. it thrives on vision, accountability, and the steady guidance of those entrusted to lead it.
From 11th to 12th September 2025, Green Concern for Development (GREENCODE) convened its Board of Trustees (BOT) and Few management staff in Abuja for a landmark Leadership and Governance Training, facilitated with support from the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and funding from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) under the Naija IGNITE Facility.
A key component of the training facilitated by Shonibare Oyeyemi Blessing, which brought together both longstanding and newly inducted Trustees. The sessions followed a Rapid Capacity Needs Assessment (RCNA) that identified gaps in donor compliance, role clarity, and sustainability planning. Guided by these findings, the workshop emphasized equipping Trustees with practical knowledge to close governance gaps, strengthen compliance, and safeguard GREENCODE’s long-term sustainability.
Facilitators underscored the critical role of Boards in ensuring transparency, ethical leadership, and organizational sustainability. The training also provided a platform for reflection on GREENCODE’s vision, mission, and strategic priorities in Nigeria’s evolving humanitarian and development context.
By the end of the workshop, Trustees reported significant gains in knowledge and confidence. Many noted a clearer understanding of their fiduciary duties and expressed commitment to adopting practical tools such as compliance dashboards, quarterly reviews, and strengthened governance policies. Importantly, the training fostered candid dialogue between old and new members, building a stronger collective vision for GREENCODE’s governance reform.
Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with over 90% rating the sessions as highly relevant and engaging. One Trustee described the training as “educative, informative, and motivating,” while another praised the facilitator’s ability to blend local realities with international best practices. A participant added, “My overall experience of this training was excellent. I gained valuable knowledge on BoT roles, donor compliance, and governance culture. The sessions were interactive, and I am confident the lessons will help me grow and perform better in my role.”
The workshop also marked an important turning point in GREENCODE’s governance journey. Trustees collectively agreed on immediate steps, including requesting quarterly compliance dashboards from management, updating safeguarding and conflict of interest policies, and taking shared responsibility for resource mobilization efforts.
Looking ahead, GREENCODE plans to sustain this momentum through annual refresher trainings, structured Board self-assessments, and expanded fundraising strategies that will tap into Trustees’ networks, corporate CSR partnerships, and local philanthropy.
By strengthening its Board of Trustees, GREENCODE reaffirms its commitment to good governance, accountability, and sustainability, ensuring the organization is better positioned to uphold donor trust, safeguard beneficiaries, and drive meaningful impact across Nigeria.
