NGO–Government Collaboration Key To National Development — Lion Adeleye
•••As Ibadan Hosts Lions International’s Largest Joint Convention On Humanitarian Service
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN – THE District Governor of Lions Clubs International, District 404B3 Nigeria, Lion Adelaja Adeleye, has emphasised that strong collaboration between non-governmental organisations and government institutions remains critical to achieving sustainable national development.
Adeleye made this assertion on Thursday while addressing journalists at a press conference marking the commencement of the 2nd Joint Convention of Lions International Districts 404B2 and 404B3, tagged AJOROSUN 2026, held at Felicia Hall, Jogor Event Centre, Ibadan.
The four-day convention, themed “Bonding for Humanity,” runs from February 5 to February 8, 2026, bringing together Lions and Leos from across Nigeria to deliberate on humanitarian service, leadership development, and community impact.
According to Adeleye, collaboration between service organisations and government has become increasingly important in addressing social welfare gaps, particularly in healthcare, youth empowerment, and disaster response.
“Our work as Lions complements government efforts. We partner where necessary to ensure that communities feel the impact of development, especially in critical areas like health and humanitarian services,” he said.
Highlighting key interventions, Adeleye noted that Lions International has invested significantly in healthcare infrastructure to support public medical institutions. He listed several projects executed in Oyo State and beyond, including diagnostic and treatment centres.
“If you visit Adeoyo Hospital, you will see diagnostic centres facilitated by Lions. At the University College Hospital, Ibadan, we have supported the establishment of a dialysis centre. In Akinyele, there is also a malaria centre. These projects are designed to strengthen healthcare delivery and support government facilities,” he stated.
He added that the organisation’s global health initiatives also focus on blindness prevention, diabetes awareness, and medical outreach for underserved populations.
Adeleye described youth development as a strategic priority for Lions Clubs across the country, stressing that engaging young people productively is essential for national stability.
He explained that the Leo Club programme serves as a leadership incubation platform for teenagers and young adults, helping them develop service values and civic responsibility. In the education sector, he said Lions runs the Lions Quest programme in partnership with schools to enhance curriculum delivery and equip teachers with mentorship and life-skills training tools.
“We are deliberate about youth engagement. Through Leo centres and youth development hubs, we provide training in ICT, fashion, electrical works, and other vocational skills to make young people self-reliant,” he said.
He added that the organisation also operates networking and leadership platforms for women under initiatives such as Leo Voices, aimed at strengthening female inclusion in service leadership.
On humanitarian interventions, Adeleye disclosed that Lions recently executed nationwide hunger relief programmes, combining food distribution with agricultural empowerment.
“In January, our focus was hunger alleviation. We didn’t just provide food; we trained beneficiaries in farming and empowered them with equipment to ensure sustainability,” he explained.
He further revealed that Lions has remained active in disaster response, including financial interventions for internally displaced persons.
“During recent flood disasters, Lions supported affected communities with about $15,000 for displaced persons,” he said.
Other humanitarian services, he said, include support for widows, persons with disabilities, indigent students, and community schools through scholarships and material donations.
Adeleye commended Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for providing an enabling environment for civil society and humanitarian organisations to thrive.
In her remarks, the District Governor of District 404B2, Lion Oluwakemi Abimbola Eribake, disclosed that Lions District 404B2 has intensified advocacy around mental health and non-communicable diseases, particularly diabetes.
She added that the district is collaborating with stakeholders to establish a vocational skills centre in Lagos to engage unemployed youths.
“We have acquired a space where a vocational training centre will be built to serve young people in that community. Youth engagement is critical to nation building,” she said.
Earlier, the Multiple Council Chairperson, Multiple District 404 Nigeria, Lion Dr Ibrahim Jide Bello, urged members to remain committed to serving vulnerable populations.
He charged Lions to continually “learn and relearn” the ethics of humanitarian service while expanding outreach to those in need.
Organisers also rolled out a series of activities to mark the convention. These include courtesy visits to the Oyo State Governor and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, as well as tourism engagements showcasing Ibadan’s cultural heritage. The programme also features leadership plenary sessions, seminars, aerobics and health walks aimed at promoting wellness among members.
In addition, inter-district football matches and indoor games are scheduled to foster fellowship, while cultural and hospitality nights will provide social engagement platforms. The convention will climax with a grand closing banquet expected to host Lions dignitaries and partners from across the country.