The Ogun State government, through its Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, has firmly refuted claims of operating a “baby factory,” clarifying that the state adheres strictly to legal and medical protocols in all child adoption processes. This clarification comes amid rising concerns about unethical practices by some non-governmental organizations (NGOs) exploiting the desperation of prospective adoptive parents. Adeleye revealed the alarming statistic of receiving 10 to 15 adoption requests daily, highlighting the significant demand for adoptable children. However, the availability of medically fit abandoned babies often falls short of this demand, creating a fertile ground for exploitation. The Commissioner expressed deep concern over reports of NGOs charging exorbitant fees, sometimes as high as N5 million, for adoptions, a practice she condemned as both exploitative and unethical. This underscores the urgent need for greater transparency and accountability within the adoption system, particularly in partnerships between government bodies and NGOs.
The clarification was made during the annual charity and appreciation colloquium of the Less Privileged Children Encouragement Initiative held in Ijebu-Ode, an event themed “Uniting for a Cause: The Crucial Role of Collaboration Between Government and NGOs in Supporting the Less Privileged.” This platform served as an opportune moment to address the critical issues surrounding child welfare and the responsibilities of both governmental and non-governmental actors. The Commissioner emphasized that while the state is deeply committed to supporting individuals and families seeking to adopt children, only abandoned babies deemed medically fit are eligible for adoption, following rigorous assessments to ensure the child’s well-being. This careful vetting process further emphasizes the state’s commitment to ethical and responsible adoption practices, contrasting sharply with the alleged exploitative practices of some NGOs.
Adeleye’s concerns extend beyond the financial exploitation of prospective parents. She highlighted the challenge posed by the prevalence of children with special needs among abandoned children, many of whom are often overlooked by prospective adopters. This preference for typically developing children unfortunately leaves many children with special needs in a precarious situation, further underscoring the complexity of the adoption landscape and the need for a more holistic approach to child welfare. The Commissioner’s statements underscore the importance of responsible and ethical practices in child adoption and the urgent need for enhanced oversight and regulation to protect vulnerable children and families. Her call for transparency and accountability resonates with the broader need for a more equitable and ethical adoption system.
The event, spearheaded by Dr. Rotimi Akinlesi, Permanent Secretary of the Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and his wife, Dr. Bukunola Akinlesi, further highlighted the critical role of collaboration between government and NGOs in addressing social development needs. Dr. Bukunola Akinlesi, in her remarks, shared the impressive achievements of their initiative, which has provided over 45,000 school sandals, 1,004 Christmas shoes, and 1,327 Christmas clothes to children across the state. Furthermore, the initiative currently supports 52 students through scholarships at various educational levels, demonstrating a significant commitment to improving the lives of underprivileged children. This example showcases the positive impact that can be achieved through collaborative efforts and highlights the potential for greater impact through enhanced partnerships.
The call for collaboration between government and NGOs was further amplified by Dr. Bukunola Akinlesi, who emphasized the synergistic potential of such partnerships. While NGOs often possess a deep understanding of local needs and community dynamics, governmental bodies often have the infrastructure, resources, and funding capacity to scale interventions effectively. This complementary relationship underscores the importance of forging strong partnerships to maximize the impact of social development initiatives. The success of the Akinlesis’ initiative serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and the significant impact achievable through combined efforts. Rasaq Daddah, Chairman of the occasion and former Ijebu-Ode Local Government Chairman, commended the Akinlesis for their tireless dedication and commitment to the welfare of the underprivileged, encouraging other citizens to follow their example.
The colloquium concluded with a powerful message emphasizing the shared responsibility of societal transformation. Dr. Rotimi Akinlesi reiterated that the government cannot bear this burden alone and called for active participation from the private sector and individuals. He urged everyone to contribute in their own way, no matter how small, to effect positive change within their communities. This call for collective action underscores the vital role of all stakeholders in creating a more equitable and prosperous society for all. The event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration, transparency, and ethical conduct in addressing the complex challenges of social development, particularly in the sensitive area of child welfare and adoption. The Ogun State government’s commitment to responsible adoption practices, coupled with the call for greater accountability among NGOs, signifies a crucial step towards creating a more just and protective environment for vulnerable children.
