The Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Water Resources and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Hon. Damilola Otubanjo, has called on citizens to intensify collective efforts towards supporting vulnerable and underprivileged children in society.

Otubanjo made the call while delivering a lecture as Guest Speaker at the 14th Charity Lecture and Appreciation Colloquium of the Less Privileged Children Encouragement  Initiative (EI), held at Bisi Rodipe Hall, Ijebu-Ode. The event was themed “Empowering the Underprivileged African Child: A Collective Action for a Sustainable Future.”

She urged stakeholders to prioritise underserved communities in planning and investment decisions, stressing the need to shift from short-term visibility to long-term, sustainable impact.

Highlighting key pillars of sustainable empowerment, Otubanjo identified access to essential services such as education, clean water, healthcare and infrastructure as critical to bridging inequality and promoting inclusion.

According to her, children in underserved communities often face multiple, overlapping challenges that perpetuate cycles of poverty, noting that only deliberate and coordinated interventions can break the trend.

“We must acknowledge these challenges and be mindful of how we provide solutions, not only collectively, but also individually, in whatever capacity we find ourselves. It is time to take proactive steps to support underprivileged children in our society,” she said.

In his remarks, Hon. Dare Alebiosu, the Chairman of the event, who also is the Executive Chairman of Ijebu-ode Local Government Area, noted that true fulfilment comes from uplifting others, describing support for the underprivileged as not just an act of kindness but an investment in the collective future.

He said African children are resilient and full of potential despite prevailing challenges, urging well-meaning individuals to continue to give hope, build futures and create a better society.

Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the Olu of Oke-Eri, Oba Babatunde Oredipe, commended the founders of Encouragement Initiative, Dr. Rotimiolu Akinlesi and Dr. Bukunola Akinlesi, for their impactful interventions across Ogun State and beyond. He pledged continued royal support for the organisation’s humanitarian efforts.

Earlier, the Founder of Encouragement Initiative (EI), Dr. Rotimiolu Akinlesi, said the initiative was driven by a commitment to supporting the vulnerable, warning that neglecting the weak could weaken the entire social system.

Also speaking, the Co-Founder of EI, Dr. Bukunola Akinlesi, described empowering the underprivileged African child as a strategic investment in a sustainable future, noting that it helps to break cycles of poverty and preserve children’s dignity.

She emphasised the need for collaboration to ensure that every child, regardless of location, has access to opportunities for growth and development.

Meanwhile, the winner of the 2026 Bible Quiz, Ademuyiwa Moyosore, expressed appreciation to the organisers for the initiative and the recognition, praying for continued success for the organisation and its founders.

Dignitaries at this year’s charity lecture include: The Lipa of Molipa Oba Adeyemi Odubena and his wife Olori Mojisola Odubena, The Olu of Oke-Eri, Oba Babatunde Oredipe and his wife Olori Adetutu Oredipe, The Alaparaki of Aparaki Ijebu, Oba Julius Ogunfowora, The Kobowore of Odo Jobore, Oba Olufemi Ogunbanjo, The Orimadegun of Araromi, Oba Adegboyega Oguntade and his wife Olori Olufunmilayo Oguntade, The SUBEB Chairman, Apostle Olalekan Ifede, Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Local Government Pensions, Engr. Ayodele Osiyale, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mr. Adesina Towolani, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Oluwatosin Oloko, The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties & Inter-Governmental Affairs, Mrs. Funmi Soyoye-Baker and others.