NAPTIP, NGO empower two trafficking survivors in Ogun

The Executive Director of Women, Infants and Children Care Initiative (WICCI), Mrs Doyinsola Ajoke Adebayo, Ogun State Commander of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Bose Jimoh and others during the empowerment programme

Two survivors of human trafficking who were exploited in Egypt and Libya have received livelihood empowerment support from the Women, Infants and Children Care Initiative (WICCI), in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Ogun State Command.

The empowerment programme, held at the NAPTIP Ogun State Command in Abeokuta, according to a statement on Thursday was designed to support the rehabilitation and economic reintegration of the survivors, while equipping them with the means to rebuild their lives and achieve financial independence.

The beneficiaries were reportedly trafficked to Cairo, Egypt, and Libya for labour and sexual exploitation before their eventual intervention and support by relevant authorities.

Speaking at the event, the  state Commander of NAPTIP, Bosede Jimoh, urged the beneficiaries to remain focused, determined and committed to rebuilding their lives, describing the empowerment intervention as an opportunity to embrace a new beginning.

Jimoh said that “I hereby advise the survivors to make judicious use of the empowerment items provided by WICCI,  the resources should be deployed strictly for their intended purposes to secure sustainable livelihoods and long-term economic stability.

“I also encourage your traumatic experiences to define your future, I urge the beneficiaries of this empowerment programme  to remain hopeful and take advantage of the opportunities available to build a successful career and contribute to further development of our dear nation”

The NAPTIP commander also urged the beneficiaries to aspire to greater achievements, noting that their eventual financial independence should inspire them to extend similar assistance to other vulnerable persons who might be experiencing challenges.

She emphasised the importance of self-reliance, resilience and responsible management of the resources provided, pointing out that economic empowerment remains a critical component of the rehabilitation and reintegration of trafficking survivors.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of WICCI, Mrs Doyinsola Ajoke Adebayo, reaffirmed her organisation’s commitment to supporting survivors of human trafficking through interventions that promote rehabilitation, economic independence and successful reintegration into society.

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Adebayo underscored the need for sustained support for survivors beyond their rescue, noting the importance of providing practical assistance that would enable them to regain confidence, develop productive skills and establish sustainable sources of income.

Also speaking at the event, the Director of Women Empowerment  from the Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs Olajumoke Adewusi represented by Mrs Temitayo Owojuyigbe  highlighted the importance of collaboration among government agencies, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders in providing comprehensive assistance to victims of human trafficking.

Adewusi stressed that effective rehabilitation and reintegration require collective responsibility, continuous support and interventions that address the economic and social challenges confronting survivors.

The beneficiaries received empowerment items intended to help them engage in productive economic activities, improve their living conditions and reduce their vulnerability to re-trafficking and other forms of exploitation.

The intervention reflects the growing recognition that rescuing victims of human trafficking is only one aspect of the fight against the crime, as survivors also require sustained psychosocial, economic and social support to rebuild their lives and regain their independence.

The partnership between WICCI and NAPTIP, Ogun State Command, demonstrates the importance of stakeholder collaboration in addressing the challenges of human trafficking, particularly in the areas of victim rehabilitation, reintegration and economic empowerment.

The programme also highlighted the need to ensure that survivors are not abandoned after rescue but are provided with the necessary resources and opportunities to overcome the consequences of exploitation.

Stakeholders noted that continued monitoring, encouragement and support would be essential to ensure that the beneficiaries utilise the empowerment items effectively, establish sustainable livelihoods and avoid falling prey to traffickers again.

The initiative marks another step towards restoring dignity, promoting self-reliance and creating opportunities for survivors of human trafficking to become productive members of society.