Prominent anti-trafficking advocates, government officials and civil society leaders 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, sexual and gender-based violence, drug abuse and other forms of exploitation affecting vulnerable citizens.
The foundation, founded by newly called lawyer Barrister Oluebubechi Emerole, was unveiled in Abuja, where stakeholders urged greater collaboration between government, civil society and the private sector to confront the growing social challenges facing women, children and young people.
Leading the call for collective action, Founder of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF) and wife of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Chief (Mrs.) Amina Titi Abubakar, said the launch of the organisation reflects the increasing commitment of young Nigerians to championing social justice and human rights.
She noted that while awareness of human trafficking has improved considerably since WOTCLEF began its advocacy in 1999, the crime continues to evolve, requiring broader partnerships and sustained public engagement.
According to her, government agencies cannot shoulder the responsibility alone, urging development partners, corporate organisations and philanthropists to support non-governmental organisations working to combat trafficking and protect vulnerable communities.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Hajia Binta Adamu Bello, described the foundation as a valuable addition to Nigeria’s anti-trafficking architecture.
She said its objectives complement NAPTIP’s “Whole of Society and Whole of Government Approach,” stressing that youth participation remains critical to winning the fight against human trafficking and other forms of exploitation.
Former Minister of Education, Prof. Chinwe Obaji, praised Emerole’s initiative, describing it as an example of purposeful leadership by young professionals.
She said empowering youth-led organisations would not only strengthen advocacy but also encourage more young Nigerians to reject criminality and become agents of positive social change.
Presenting the foundation’s mission, member of its Board of Trustees, Mrs. Chioma Omamegbe, said POHF is committed to defending the rights of vulnerable persons through advocacy, legal support, public enlightenment and strategic partnerships.
She explained that the organisation would focus on supporting victims of human trafficking, migrant smuggling, sexual and gender-based violence and drug abuse, while also providing assistance to indigent young persons awaiting trial in correctional centres across the country.
Omamegbe said the foundation envisions a society where every individual can live free from exploitation, violence and fear, with its programmes anchored on integrity, transparency, compassion, accountability and respect for human rights.
She appealed to government agencies, development partners, corporate bodies and public-spirited Nigerians to partner with the foundation in delivering sustainable interventions for vulnerable populations.
In her remarks, Barrister Emerole said the unveiling marked the official commencement of the foundation’s operations and reaffirmed its determination to restore hope to vulnerable Nigerians through advocacy, targeted interventions and collaboration with relevant institutions.
The event attracted members of the diplomatic corps, international development partners, senior government officials, civil society organisations, academics, religious leaders and business executives, many of whom pledged support for the foundation’s humanitarian vision.