The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has called on stakeholders to foster stronger collaboration to strengthen efforts towards the enforcement of anti trafficking laws in the country.
Tinubu, represented by Hajiya Nana Shettima, Wife of the Vice-President,
made the call at the Silver Julbilee anniversary of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF) on Monday in Abuja.
she said that it was imperative for all stakeholders to collaborate in combating the human trafficking meance.
According to her, as we celebrate this milestone, we must reflect on the journey ahead.
“The fight against human trafficking and child labor is far from over. We must continue to do more to protect the rights of women and children.
“It is also important that we foster greater collaboration between government and civil society organisations, the private sector and international organidations.
“This will strengthen the efforts towards the enforcement of anti trafficking laws, rescue of victims and enhanced rehabilitation for survivors,”she said.
She said that the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) had donated a 30 seater bus in an effort to fiht human trafficking and protection of the rights of rights of the Nigerian citizens at home and in the diaspora.
She also said that the initiative had facilitated the return of some trafficked young ladies back to Nigeria in September.
She said that through the RHI, several more young girls were awaiting to be transported back once their documentation was properly completed.
Tinubu said that the initiative had also empowered women and youths through trainings and grants for small businesses, scholarship undergraduate and other social investment.
She said that equipping them with knowledge and skills, was a way to provide them with the means to break free from poverty and exploitation.
Also speaking, Mrs Titi Abubakar, founder of WOTCLEF, said that in the past 25 years, over 14, 000 victims had been encountered since inception.
Abubakar said that her motivation to establish the foundation was basically to confront modern day slavery in all dimensions and ratification.
“I figured out that all forms of sexual exploitations were incompatible with human dignity, and therefore, violates fundamental human rights, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity or class of victims.
“We fight to save animals, we fight to save to preserve our environment. We fight drug trafficking, we fight currency trafficking. Why not fight to safeguard and preserve human dignity?
“The outcome of this initiative is why we are all here to celebrate our modest achievements.
“There is no doubt that in the last 25 years, WOTCLEF has passed through murky, sneaky and windy terrain.
“But the gains recorded so far have outweighed the challenges we encountered,”she said.
She commended former President Olusegun Obasanjo and her husband, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar for their support for the birth of WWOTCLEF.
Also, the keynote speaker, Rtd. Justice Mary Odili, said that celebration was a reminder of the challenges faced and the victories won in the quest to eradicate human trafficking and child labour.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our country’s pursuit of justice, dignity and the protection of the vulnerable.
“The celebration of the silver jubilee of WOTCLEF is beyond just the celebration of an organisation.
“It is a tribute to the thousands of lives that have been touched, saved and transformed since its existence.
“It symbolises resilience, hope, and the collective strength of those who have fought and continue to fight for the protection of women and children’s rights in Nigeria,”she said.
