Former President Olusegun Obasanjo once again voiced his candid criticism, at Wotclef 25th Anniversary celebration, this time directing his remarks at the Women Development Center during the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF) in Abuja. The former president who was chairman and awardee at the event, expressed disappointment over the Center’s reported inability to pay its electricity bills, which, he suggested, reflects poorly on an institution committed to empowering vulnerable women and children.
Addressing the audience, Obasanjo did not mince words, stating that an organization dedicated to such a crucial cause should prioritize the fundamental needs that enable its work. “How can you claim to empower others when basic obligations are neglected?” he challenged, emphasizing that institutions supporting the fight against human trafficking and child labor must operate effectively to set an example of responsibility.
Obasanjo’s comments underscored the need for accountability and robust support for agencies that provide essential services to marginalized communities. As WOTCLEF marked its 25th year of combating human trafficking, his remarks served as a reminder that organizational sustainability and transparency are essential to the long-term success of Nigeria’s fight against trafficking. His words left a lasting impression, stirring conversations about the importance of reliable funding and governance in Nigeria’s social institutions.
Human trafficking remains a pervasive global crisis, impacting millions each year, but it is particularly detrimental to women, who make up the majority of those exploited in this horrific practice. Women are disproportionately trafficked for labor and sexual exploitation, often lured by false promises of employment or marriage, only to find themselves entrapped in cycles of abuse and dependency. This harsh reality was underscored at the silver jubilee of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF) held at the Women Development Center in Abuja, a gathering that reasserted this grave issue as one demanding urgent, unified action across Nigeria.
The 25th anniversary of WOTCLEF not only marks years of resilience in combatting trafficking but also amplifies the call for intensified community involvement and systemic reform to protect vulnerable women and children. Esteemed speakers at the event emphasized the importance of this battle, stressing that trafficking is not an isolated issue but a societal ill that erodes the very fabric of Nigerian communities. “This is a fight for us all,” said a representative of the keynote speaker, H.E. Mrs Mary Peter Odili(CFR), highlighting how traffickers exploit economic hardships, targeting women who lack viable employment or support systems. Victims are often from underserved communities, making them susceptible to manipulation and coercion.
Efforts spearheaded by WOTCLEF over the years have shown the significance of providing legal support, education, and reintegration services to survivors. Advocacy, legislation, and international partnerships have been vital components of WOTCLEF’s approach, helping to secure justice for trafficked individuals. Nevertheless, the fight remains daunting. Speakers noted that achieving sustainable change requires robust educational initiatives and comprehensive social services to break the cycles of poverty and dependency that traffickers exploit.
At the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF) at the Women Development Center in Abuja, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima, wife of the Vice President, representing First Lady, Senator Olufemi Bola Tinubu, delivered a compelling call to action. She urged stakeholders across the nation to unite in the fight against human trafficking and child labor, emphasizing the urgent need for collaborative efforts to protect Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations.
“The fight against human trafficking and child labor is not one that can be fought alone; it requires the commitment of all sectors of society,” Shettima stated, reinforcing the importance of a unified front against these societal issues. Her remarks highlighted the First Lady’s commitment to driving impactful change, focusing on safeguarding children and providing opportunities for women to thrive in safe, empowered environments.
The event drew an impressive assembly of dignitaries, including Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his wife, Titi Atiku Abubakar, whose advocacy has long supported the eradication of trafficking. Also in attendance were former Senate President Sen. Pius Anyim and former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, along with numerous other prominent figures. Their presence underscored the widespread recognition of trafficking as a national crisis and the shared responsibility to eliminate it.
The anniversary celebration was a powerful reminder that safeguarding the rights and futures of Nigerian women and children requires unwavering dedication and unity. WOTCLEF’s 25-year journey of advocacy and intervention serves as an enduring call to action for all sectors to intensify their roles in securing a safer, more just society for future generations.
However, by empowering and educating communities, Nigeria can reduce the risk of trafficking, allowing women to pursue their futures with dignity and freedom. As WOTCLEF’s silver jubilee demonstrated, commitment from every citizen, organization, and government agency is essential to eradicate human trafficking from Nigeria. In this way, the legacy of WOTCLEF will continue, driving Nigeria toward a future where trafficking is no longer a threat to its women and children.
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