By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
A non governmental organization, Emmanuel World Children Foundation (EWCF), and partners, Free the Slave with funding from USA government in its giant move to address the scourge of human trafficking and give survivors a sense of hope to stay back and contribute their quota to the development of the country, has empowered over a 100 of them with starter-part equipment in Edo State.
Speaking during the event, tagged the “Survivors Network Meeting,”empowerment of the survivors in Benin, the Executive Director, Mr. Emmanuel Adaramola, said that the human trafficking survivors have gone through a lot in their lives and they needed their lives back adding that the only one to do that, is to put smiles on their faces through empowerment.
He said when they are empowered, the drive to embark on such a precarious journey will naturally die off and they cannot be manipulated by any traffickers.
Mr. Adaramola said with the start-up equipment, the beneficiaries can now stay back in the country to develop it.
Emmanuel Adaramola, who spoke passionately about the organization’s mission to support and empower survivors and other activities of the foundation for the past 27 years, said “Today is not just a meeting, but it is a celebration of your strength, a recognition of your courage, and a step towards a brighter future for each of you.”
Also speaking, Barrister Nduka Nwanwenne, Zonal Commander, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), represented by Mr. Stephen Selowo, Head of the Counselling and Rehabilitation Unit, said “Emmanuel World Children Foundation, doesn’t have a regular means of income but rely on donor. All the equipment you are seeing here today must be valued and well utilized he admonished the survivor’s”.
He further stated “you have been invested in, also invest in others so we can end human trafficking and child labour.
“We appreciate all partners that contributed. Congratulations to all the beneficiaries, I am sure your families will be proud of you today”. He added.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Social Development and Gender Issues, Honourable Christabel Omoh-Ekwu who was represented by Mrs. Osawe Precious, said the government appreciates non governmental organizations like Emmanuel World Children foundation for a job well done and empowering survivors of human trafficking in Edo State.
One of the survivors, Adefunke, who spoke about her journey from victim to survivor, inspired many with her story of transformation.
She said at she is into sales of male foot wears.
She advised other survivors of human trafficking to be focused and determined.
Another survivor from South South, Loveth said ” It was not easy coming back to Nigeria in 2023.
“I thank God Almighty for using Emmanuel World Children Foundation to care for all our responsibilities.
“For girls who have decided to go back to Senegal, they are making a very terrible mistake of their lives and they will live to regret it all the days of their lives”.
Mrs Precious Adaramola, said she was excited about the lives of the survivor’s because they all have turned a new leaf, “when you are working and you see positive results in their character, life style and the resilience and determination to start a new life, this motivates us to be more dedicated”.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of start-up equipment to the survivors. The donors and partners were all appreciated. The foundation was able to provide a range of tools and resources tailored to the individual interests and skills of the survivors.
Items such as sewing machines, hairdressing kits, baking equipment, generator sets, POS machines, Power Banks, Solar torch lights, foot wears, phone accessories, food items for sales as well as cash were presented to the survivor’s, each representing a new beginning and a pathway to economic independence.