27 Human Trafficking Survivors Receive Livelihood Support from Galilee Foundation, Freedom Fund International
Twenty-seven survivors of human trafficking in Oyo State have received economic empowerment support from the Galilee Foundation in collaboration with Freedom Fund International to help them rebuild their lives and achieve financial independence.
The empowerment programme, held at the Women Affairs Development Centre, Samonda, Ibadan, featured the distribution of livelihood equipment and other materials, including deep freezers, gas cookers, sewing machines, photography cameras, nail technology equipment, soft drinks, provisions and foodstuffs.
Speaking at the event, Executive Director of Galilee Foundation, Dr Gregory Eigbadon, explained that the beneficiaries were returnees from Libya and Egypt identified by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.
Dr Eigbadon said the foundation conducted interviews and consultative meetings with the survivors to identify their individual needs and determine the appropriate forms of assistance.
He explained that the financial grant provided by Freedom Fund International was aimed at strengthening the foundation’s capacity and supporting the reintegration of the returnees into society.
The Executive Director assured that the beneficiaries would be adequately monitored to ensure the equipment and materials were put to productive use.
He cautioned Nigerians against allowing the quest for greener pastures to expose them to human trafficking, physical abuse, intimidation and other forms of exploitation, urging prospective migrants to pursue legitimate opportunities.
Dr Eigbadon also called on government and wealthy individuals to create opportunities for unemployed youths through innovative initiatives and small-scale businesses as part of efforts to address human trafficking.
In his remarks, Oyo State Commandant of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mr Kayode Alfred, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to reducing human trafficking through collaboration with relevant organisations.
Mr Alfred advised residents to exercise caution when searching for employment opportunities online to avoid falling victim to traffickers.
He commended Galilee Foundation for its annual intervention in identifying and empowering survivors, describing victims’ protection as one of NAPTIP’s core responsibilities.
In separate goodwill messages, Assistant Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Oyo State Command, Adesanjo Olubiyi, and Chairman of the Oyo State Community Chest Council, Professor George Adegbolan, commended Galilee Foundation and Freedom Fund International for the initiative.
They urged the beneficiaries to appreciate the opportunity to rebuild their lives, while expressing concern over the prevalence of child labour and warning against practices that expose children to exploitation.
Also speaking, the Gender Focal Person of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, pledged continued collaboration with the foundation and urged Nigerians to report suspected cases of human trafficking to the appropriate authorities.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Oluwapemisire Oladipupo and Rachel Afolorin, recounted their ordeals while seeking better opportunities abroad and expressed gratitude to the foundation, saying the assistance would improve their livelihoods.
