In a bold and decisive move against human trafficking, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), recently spearheaded an intervention in Ghana, rescuing ten Nigerian girls trafficked under the guise of salesgirls.
This mission underscores her firm stance against modern-day slavery.
During her visit, Dabiri-Erewa commended the tireless efforts of Chief Calistus Elozieuwa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO) in Ghana, and his dedicated team. Their swift action and collaboration with NiDCOM were pivotal in the successful rescue operation.
Accompanying Dabiri-Erewa were key representatives from Imo State, including the Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Nkechinyere Ugwu. The delegation was warmly received by Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Amb. Adeoye Ifedayo.
Addressing the issue, Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the urgent need for a permanent solution to human trafficking.
"We must declare a war against human traffickers," she asserted. She called on parents to be vigilant and question the whereabouts of their children, urging a collective effort to identify and apprehend traffickers.
The rescued girls will be handed over to NAPTIP, which will ensure their return to their respective states for comprehensive counseling and rehabilitation.
Amb. Adeoye Ifedayo praised NIDO Ghana's efforts and stressed the importance of stopping human trafficking. Echoing this sentiment, Rt. Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu reiterated the Imo State government's commitment to the girls' welfare and well-being.
Additionally, the Plateau State Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, pledged full support for the girls' rehabilitation. The delegation also secured a promise of full cooperation from the Ghanaian Police in the fight against human trafficking.
Meeting with the rescued girls, the delegation found them in high spirits, eagerly anticipating their return home. This successful mission follows viral news of the girls' plight, which NIDO Ghana quickly reported to NiDCOM, prompting immediate action.
NiDCOM's intervention in Ghana marks a significant step in the ongoing battle against human trafficking, highlighting the importance of vigilance, cooperation, and swift action to protect vulnerable individuals and eradicate this modern-day scourge.
NIDCOM's PRESS RELEASE
DABIRI-EREWA VISITS STRANDED NIGERIAN GIRLS IN GHANA; CALLS FOR WAR AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING*
Abuja: June 10, 2023
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has condemned in strong terms, mordern day slavery (human trafficking), following the intervention on 10 Nigerian girls trafficked to Ghana for prostitution., under the guise of “sales girls. “
Dabiri-Erewa stated this when she visited Ghana to address the rescue of Nigerian girls trafficked to that country, as she commended the Chairman BOT of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation , Ghana, Chief Calistus Elozieuwa and his team.
Also present in Ghana were the representatives of the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodima, represented by the Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs of Imo State, Mrs. Nkechinyere Ugwu.
The Eze Igbo of Ghana, Chukwudi Ihenetu and
Chief Calistus Elozieuewa, Chairman BOT, Ghana and the NIDO Team were also present.
The team were received by the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana , Amb Adeoye Ifedayo.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the need for a permanent solution to eradicate human trafficking in Nigeria, adding,
“ We must declare a war against human traffickers”.
She urged parents to always question the whereabouts of their children when taken away by relatives or friends and encouraged collective efforts to ensure traffickers are named and arrested.
The NiDCOM Boss further mentioned that the rescued girls would be handed over to NAPTIP, who will in turn hand them over to their various states for total counselling and rehabilitation.
Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Amb. Adeoye Ifedayo, commended the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO) in Ghana, and stressed the need to do everything to put a stop to human Traficking.
Meanwhile, the representative of the Imo State Governor, Rt. Hon Deputy Speaker Hon Amara Iwuanyanwu reiterated government's commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of the rescued girls.
Also, the Plateau State Governor represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs also pledged to cater to the welfare and full rehabilitation of the stranded girls.
The delegation also met with the high echelon of the Ghanaian Police who pledged total cooperation in the war against human trafficking.
The entire Team later met with the girls who were in high spirits and looked forward to returning home.
Recall that the news of the situation of the girls went viral after being intercepted by the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) in Ghana, which promptly alerted NIDCOM, leading to the swift intervention.
E-Signed:
Gabriel Odu
Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit
NiDCOM
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