In order to improve the lives of the vulnerable and underprivileged in society, Adijat Adeleye, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, emphasized on Monday the importance of close cooperation between the public and private sectors.
Adeleye made this request during her keynote speech at the annual charity and appreciation colloquium of the Less Privileged Children Encouragement Initiative, which was held at Ijebu-Ode. The theme of her speech was “Uniting For A Cause: The Crucial Role Of Collaboration Between Government And NGOs In Supporting The Less Privileged.”
Dr. Rotimi Akinlesi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and his spouse, Dr. Bukunola Akinlesi, are the creators of the charity endeavor.
The Commissioner clarified, saying that the government cannot bear the burden of helping vulnerable people on its own, including orphans, women, children, people with disabilities, and underprivileged communities.
It is an obligation that necessitates a team effort. Real change occurs when individuals, private organizations, NGOs, and government institutions work together.
“This is why today’s conversation is so critical—because it reinforces a truth we must never forget: the strength of a society is measured by how well it uplifts its weakest members.”
Adeleye said that for collaboration between the government and NGOs to however, thrive, transparency and accountability must be at the heart of every partnership.
She urged that financial resources allocated to social programmes must be tracked and accounted for to prevent inefficiencies or mismanagement.
Adeleye disclosed that every donor, every volunteer, and every policymaker involved in social development must work with integrity and a deep sense of purpose.
She has, however, called for more robust support to tackle the challenges facing the less privileged in society, saying that one-time interventions or temporary relief efforts won’t make the desired impact.
“We need a long-term vision—one that guarantees that no one is left behind, every woman has economic opportunities, every child has access to high-quality education, and every person with a disability has equal access,” Adeleye stated.
In her earlier remarks, Dr. Mrs. Bukunola Akinlesi, the philanthropic initiative’s co-founder, emphasized the necessity for the government and other stakeholders to establish shared alliances with NGOs in order to improve the lives of the underprivileged.
According to Akinlesi, NGOs frequently possess a thorough awareness of the local communities and the particular requirements of the underprivileged.
She added that NGOs collaboration with the government, which usually has the infrastructure and the funding to reach a large number of people, will always help to create a better world.
She said that to date, the organisation has provided over 45,000 less privileged pupils with sandals, 1004 children with Christmas shoes, 1327 children with Christmas Clothes, while currently 52 students in public primary, secondary and higher institutions are on their scholarship scheme.
The Chairman of the event, Rasaq Daddah, lauded Akinlesi and his wife for devoting a huge chunk of their resources and time to fend for others who were not in any way related to them.
Daddah, a former Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, urged people to embrace making an impact in the lives of others, saying that this is a sure path to ensure that no one is left behind.
The founder of the initiative, Akinlesi, said that the private sector and other well-meaning individuals must always be ready to support the government to also make a difference in society.
The Permanent Secretary explained, “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 own little way.”
Akinlesi stated that the essence of the annual gathering is to appreciate the people and also inspire others to prioritise gestures that are tailored towards helping to meet the needs of others.
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