In a compelling address at the 13th Annual Charity and Appreciation Colloquium of the Less Privileged Children Encouragement Initiative (EI) in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, emphasized the necessity of robust public-private partnerships to enhance the lives of underserved communities. Delivering her keynote speech titled “Uniting For A Cause: The Crucial Role of Collaboration Between Government and NGOs in Supporting the Less Privileged,” Adeleye highlighted that the responsibility of supporting vulnerable individuals, such as orphans, women, children, persons with disabilities, and underserved communities, should not rest solely on the government.
“The task of supporting vulnerable individuals is not one to be borne by the government alone. It is a responsibility that demands a collective response. When government institutions, NGOs, private organizations, and individuals come together, real transformation happens,” she stated.
Adeleye further stressed that for collaborations between the government and NGOs to thrive, transparency and accountability must be at the heart of every partnership.“We need a long-term vision, one that ensures that every child has access to quality education, every woman has economic opportunities, every person with a disability is given equal access, and no one is left behind,” she added.
The event, held at the Bisi Rodipe Mega Hall in Ijebu-Ode, was organized by the Less Privileged Children Encouragement Initiative, a charitable organization founded by Dr. Rotimi Akinlesi, Permanent Secretary of the Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and his wife, Dr. Bukunola Akinlesi. Dr. Bukunola Akinlesi, co-founder of the initiative, emphasized the importance of forming alliances between the government and NGOs to improve the lives of the less privileged.
To date, the organization has provided over 45,000 less privileged pupils with sandals, 1,004 children with Christmas shoes, and 1,327 children with Christmas clothes. It currently supports 52 students in public primary, secondary, and higher institutions through its scholarship scheme.
The event chairman, Rasaq Daddah, lauded the Akinlesis for their dedication to humanitarian service and urged others to embrace making an impact in the lives of others to ensure that no one is left behind. Dr. Rotimi Akinlesi reiterated the importance of collective effort, stating, “The truth is that the government all over the world cannot do it alone, so we all must get involved and see how we can support the vulnerable in our little way.”
The colloquium served as a platform to appreciate contributors and inspire others to engage in acts aimed at meeting the needs of the less privileged.