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By Oluseye Ojo
The deepening crisis of out-of-school children in Nigeria has once again taken centre stage, with the District Governor of Lions Clubs International, District 404B3 Nigeria, Adelaja Adeleye, declaring that sustained humanitarian partnerships are indispensable to rescuing vulnerable children and safeguarding the nation’s future.
He made the assertion in Ibadan while addressing journalists during the second joint convention of Lions International Districts 404B2 and 404B3, tagged AJOROSUN 2026, with the theme: ‘Bonding for Humanity’ is holding at the Felicia Hall, Jogor Event Centre, and runs from February 5 to February 8.
The four-day gathering, attracting more than 2,500 members of the club and Leos (young members) from across the country to deliberate on critical social challenges confronting Nigeria, with particular emphasis on youth development and the alarming number of children excluded from formal education.
Activities lined up for the AJOROSUN 2026 convention include courtesy visits to the Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja (Arusa 1), alongside community-impact projects across Ibadan.
Speaking against the backdrop of Nigeria’s development challenges, Adeleye warned that the country’s aspirations for growth and stability could remain elusive if millions of vulnerable children continue to roam the streets without access to education, skills acquisition, or positive social engagement.
According to him, tackling the crisis requires collective responsibility and strategic collaboration beyond government efforts alone.
“Humanitarian partnerships are key to nation building. Government cannot do it alone. Service organisations like Lions must continue to support interventions that take children off the streets and return them to productive paths,” he said.
Adeleye disclosed that Lions Clubs across Nigeria have rolled out targeted programmes aimed at addressing the out-of-school children crisis through education support, vocational training, and structured youth engagement initiatives.
In her remarks, the District Governor of Lions Clubs International, District 404B2 Nigeria, Oluwakemi Abimbola Eribake, said her district has intensified advocacy around mental health and youth engagement, warning that neglected children are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, crime, and substance abuse.
She revealed that plans are underway to establish a vocational skills centre in Lagos following the acquisition of a training facility, as part of efforts to provide structured engagement for unemployed and at-risk youths.
Earlier, the Multiple Council Chairperson, Multiple District 404 Nigeria, Lion Dr Ibrahim Jide Bello, charged members to expand their humanitarian outreach to vulnerable groups, particularly children deprived of education and basic care.
