The state does not run a “baby factory,” according to Adijat Adeleye, the Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development.
Adeleye emphasized that legal and medical procedures closely govern the adoption of children.
While the state is dedicated to helping those looking to adopt children, Adeleye said only medically fit abandoned babies can be approved for adoption during her keynote speech on Monday at the annual charity and appreciation colloquium of the Less Privileged Children Encouragement Initiative in Ijebu-Ode.
Leading the event were Dr. Rotimi Akinlesi, Permanent Secretary of the Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and his spouse, Dr. Bukunola Akinlesi. The event’s theme was “Uniting for a Cause: The Crucial Role of Collaboration Between Government and NGOs in Supporting the Less Privileged.”
According to Adeleye, she gets between ten and fifteen adoption requests every day on average, but in some cases, there are no available abandoned babies who are medically fit.
She expressed concern about certain NGOs taking advantage of needy families by charging up to N5 million for adoptions, describing the practice as unethical and exploitative.
Some of the kids we find have exceptional needs and are frequently turned down by potential families. Meanwhile, some NGOs are taking advantage of this by making irrational demands of needy people. She underlined that Ogun State does not operate a baby factory.
Adeleye emphasized the value of accountability and openness in government-NGOs collaborations.
She urged that financial resources meant for social development be carefully tracked to avoid mismanagement.
“Real transformation only happens when every partner—donors, volunteers, policymakers—acts with integrity and purpose. We must build lasting solutions that ensure every child gets quality education, every woman economic opportunity, and every vulnerable person equal access,” she said.
In her remarks, Akinlesi highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between the government and NGOs, noting that while NGOs understand local needs, governments often have the infrastructure and funding capacity to scale interventions.
She shared that their initiative has provided over 45,000 school sandals, 1,004 Christmas shoes, and 1,327 Christmas clothes to children across the state, with 52 students currently on scholarships at various educational levels.
Chairman of the occasion and former Ijebu-Ode Local Government Chairman, Rasaq Daddah, praised the Akinlesis for their dedication to the welfare of the underprivileged.
Daddah encouraged more citizens to emulate their example.
Akinlesi concluded that societal transformation is a shared responsibility.
“The government cannot do it alone. The private sector and individuals must also rise to the occasion and contribute in their own little way,” he said.
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