Women must unite to end human trafficking, says minister

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has called on Nigerian women to take collective responsibility in tackling the scourge of human trafficking.

Speaking during a working visit to the Safe Centre and Women Development Centre in Asero, Abeokuta, Ogun State, yesterday, the minister expressed concern that many young Nigerian girls, lured with promises of lucrative jobs, remain stranded in different parts of the world.

She urged mothers to play a central role in safeguarding their daughters and raising awareness on the dangers of irregular migration and exploitation.

“Our daughters are scattered across several countries under the guise of employment. Let us hold them close to our hearts, because there are abundant opportunities for them here in Nigeria,” she said.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim stressed that trafficked girls are often subjected to degrading and criminal enterprises abroad, insisting that the country cannot afford to lose its future workforce.

“Anyone who wishes to travel should do so through proper channels, not through dubious arrangements. We must prove that we can excel at home, in the boardroom and beyond. Protecting our children is not optional; it is a duty,” she added.

The minister commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to advancing women’s development, noting that increased budgetary allocations at both federal and state levels reflect his administration’s seriousness.

According to her, the government’s economic vision of a $1 trillion economy requires the active participation of women as entrepreneurs, farmers, and professionals.

“We shall begin to see the rise of women billionaires in different sectors. Nigerian women are hardworking, and if we all contribute, we will achieve this national goal,” she said.

She also applauded the Ogun State Government for its investment in women’s welfare, announcing a donation of food items and N2 million to support ongoing initiatives.

Earlier, Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, said the four Sexual Assault Referral Centres in Abeokuta, Sagamu, Ijebu Ode and Ilaro were established to provide safe spaces for survivors of gender-based violence.

According to her, the facilities not only offer healing but also vocational training in catering, hairdressing, tailoring, hospitality and other trades to empower victims towards self-reliance.

“The vision is that when a woman walks out of the centre, she is not only healing but also building a new life of dignity, independence and entrepreneurship,” Adeleye explained.