Loved, feared, respected: Why Adetoun Onajobi refuses to water down the truth

Adetoun Onajobi doesn’t speak to please the crowd. She speaks to shake the silence. In a society where injustice often thrives in comfort zones and sugar-coated words, she refuses to soften the truth.

That decision has made her loved by many, feared by some, and respected by all who pay attention.

Her activism is not just a campaign. It is a calling. With over 20 years of experience and a PhD in Social Work, Adetoun has fought relentlessly for those whose cries go unheard. Her NGO, Feed a Child Community Initiative, focuses on restoring dignity through food, education, advocacy, and healing. What makes her stand out is how she delivers the message: raw, real, and unwavering.

One of her efforts on March 31, 2025 once again set off a countrywide discussion. A woman working as a street sweeper in Ikoyi, Lagos, was seen at 5 a.m. with her 11-year-old daughter helping her clean. The mother earned ₦19,500 a month and made the long trip daily from Iyana Oworo, leaving her three other children at home. By law, this was child labour. In reality, it was the heartbreaking face of poverty. This was not neglect. It was survival.

Adetoun didn’t ignore it. She didn’t dilute it. She documented and posted it. Her decision triggered public reactions. Some praised her for raising awareness, while others accused her of exposing a vulnerable family. Her response was calm and firm: “If the truth makes you uncomfortable, it’s probably doing its job.”

She went further than just sharing the story. She offered support to the mother, both financially and emotionally, and challenged the public to reflect, not condemn. For her, the focus wasn’t on creating controversy. It was about forcing society to look itself in the mirror.

Her ability to withstand public criticism comes from deep spiritual grounding. Raised in a Christian home and mentored by Prophet T.B. Joshua of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, Adetoun’s activism is anchored in faith. Her principles are not trends. They are convictions shaped by years of service and spiritual discipline.

Beyond activism, she channels her message through creative expression. Her stage play African Values inspires young girls to embrace their cultural identity, self-worth, and purpose. Whether she is on a theatre stage or using digital platforms, Adetoun speaks with the same honesty and urgency.

Her impact has been recognised nationally. She has received the Woman of Distinction Award and the Most Outstanding Humanitarian of the Year. These awards are not just honours. They are reminders that courage doesn’t always wear a smile and truth doesn’t always arrive gently.

Adetoun knows not everyone will applaud when she speaks. But she also knows the people who need her voice will hear it clearly. Loud, brave, and true.