In a bid to enhance social welfare and improve the lives of Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations, the Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, has called for stronger collaboration between government bodies and private sector actors, including NGOs and individuals.
Speaking at the annual charity and appreciation colloquium of the Less Privileged Children Encouragement Initiative in Ijebu-Ode, Adeleye stressed that the growing needs of disadvantaged groups—such as orphans, women, children, and people with disabilities—can no longer be met by government efforts alone.
“The collective responsibility of caring for the underserved must be shared across sectors,” Adeleye said. “Real transformation happens when public institutions, non-governmental organisations, private bodies, and citizens unite for a common cause.”
The event, themed “Uniting For A Cause: The Crucial Role of Collaboration Between Government And NGOs In Supporting The Less Privileged,” was organised by Dr. Rotimi Akinlesi, Permanent Secretary of the Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and his wife, Dr. Bukunola Akinlesi.
Highlighting the need for accountability and transparency in such partnerships, Adeleye urged that social investments be closely monitored to prevent mismanagement and ensure meaningful outcomes. She advocated for long-term interventions rather than temporary relief measures.
“We must envision a future where every child receives quality education, women enjoy equal economic opportunities, and persons with disabilities are empowered, not marginalised,” she said.
Co-founder of the initiative, Dr. Bukunola Akinlesi, echoed Adeleye’s sentiments, stating that NGOs possess grassroots knowledge critical to tailoring solutions that truly impact local communities. She emphasized that combining NGO expertise with government resources can bring about lasting change.
Since its inception, the Less Privileged Children Encouragement Initiative has supported over 45,000 pupils with school sandals, gifted more than 2,000 children with holiday clothing and footwear, and currently sponsors 52 students in various public schools under its scholarship programme.
Former Ijebu-Ode Local Government Chairman, Rasaq Daddah, who chaired the event, praised the Akinlesis for their personal sacrifices in uplifting others. He urged more citizens to engage in meaningful acts of service to help bridge social inequality.
In his remarks, Dr. Rotimi Akinlesi emphasized the limitations of government capacity and the need for civic participation. “We must all play our part—no contribution is too small. Together, we can create a society where no one is left behind,” he concluded.
