NAPTIP, WOTCLEF Endorse New Foundation To Combat Human Trafficking

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF) have thrown their weight behind the newly inaugurated Portals of Hope Foundation (POHF), describing it as a timely intervention in Nigeria’s fight against human trafficking and other forms of exploitation.

The endorsements came during the official unveiling of the non-governmental organisation in Abuja, where stakeholders commended the initiative as a significant step towards protecting vulnerable persons, including victims of human trafficking, sexual and gender-based violence, drug abuse, and indigent inmates awaiting trial in correctional centres.

The foundation, established by newly called legal practitioner, Oluebubechi Emerole, was unveiled during a reception held to celebrate her call to the Nigerian Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Founder of WOTCLEF and wife of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Mrs. Amina Titi Abubakar, lauded Emerole for taking up the challenge of addressing pressing social issues affecting vulnerable Nigerians, describing the initiative as evidence that young Nigerians are ready to lead the campaign against human trafficking and gender-based violence.

She recalled that when WOTCLEF was founded in 1999, many Nigerians were unaware of the alarming scale of human trafficking, expressing delight that more young people are now joining the movement to combat the crime.

“The fight against human trafficking and related crimes should not be left to government alone. Wealthy individuals, private organisations and multinational corporations should support non-governmental organisations like Portals of Hope Foundation, which is following the path of WOTCLEF in confronting these challenges,” she said.

Also endorsing the initiative, the director-general of NAPTIP, Hajia Binta Adamu Bello, congratulated Emerole on her successful call to the Bar and praised her for establishing the foundation.

Bello noted that the organisation’s objectives align with NAPTIP’s strategic policy of adopting a “Whole of Society and Whole of Government Approach” in tackling human trafficking.

She stressed that stronger collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations and citizens remains critical to winning the fight against trafficking and other forms of exploitation, while urging Nigerian youths to speak out against the menace.

Former minister of Education, Prof. Chinwe Obaji, also applauded the initiative, describing it as a reflection of Emerole’s commitment to national development and social justice.

Obaji, who teaches human trafficking as a visiting professor at an American university, said youth-led advocacy would have a greater impact in discouraging young people from engaging in criminal activities, adding that combating trafficking requires collective action from all sectors of society.

Presenting the foundation’s profile, a member of its Board of Trustees, Mrs Chioma Omamegbe, explained that POHF was established to promote and protect the rights of vulnerable persons, particularly women and children.

She said the organisation would focus on combating human trafficking, migrant smuggling, drug trafficking, and sexual and gender-based violence, while providing support for indigent persons, socially excluded communities and young inmates awaiting trial across the country.

“Our vision is to create a society where individuals can live free from exploitation, abuse and fear,” Omamegbe said.

According to her, the foundation will pursue its objectives through advocacy, public enlightenment campaigns, strategic partnerships with government agencies and development partners, as well as targeted intervention programmes for vulnerable groups.

She added that the organisation is anchored on the core values of integrity, transparency, compassion, accountability and respect for human rights, while appealing to government institutions, corporate organisations, development partners and well-meaning Nigerians to support its mission.

In her remarks, Emerole expressed gratitude to guests for celebrating her call to the Bar and supporting the launch of the foundation.

She said the unveiling marked the commencement of the foundation’s operations and reaffirmed its commitment to championing the rights of vulnerable populations through advocacy, legal support, intervention programmes and strategic partnerships.

The event attracted members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of international development agencies, senior government officials, civil society organisations, academics, religious leaders and other stakeholders committed to advancing the fight against human trafficking and protecting the rights of vulnerable Nigerians.