By: Macbeth Ojugbeli
In the wake of sensitizing and fighting the irrational act called human trafficking in Nigeria, many works, speeches and conferences have been held to device a means of eradicating this inhumane act in the society.
Having this in mind, the author of *Olaitan Oyerinde: His Struggle for a Better Nigeria* and founder of Udukhotse Foundation, Lois Otse Adams was spurred to develope an intellectual work entitled ‘Udukh: the Surrogate Daughter’.
It was all fun fair like the liberated people clamouring for freedom on 3 March, 2018 at Denis hotel, Abuja as the book was launched. This was done in collaboration with National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Person (NAPTIP) and other partners like Ministry of Women Affairs, Haven Rehabilitation and Re-integration Foundation, Social Development, Peace Corps of Nigeria, National Women Council Society, Joint Tax Board, office of the Chief of Army Staff etc.
The occasion which was also used to commemorate the birthday of the author witness a massive turn up of personalities in Nigeria who actually believe in Nigeria and Nigerians.
In same vein, the event witness the unveiling of ‘Udukhotse Foundation’. The foundation aims at improving and supporting the physically challenged people in the society as well as fighting against human trafficking in Nigeria. The book was a product of one of their many means to curb the problem of human trafficking.
According to the author, who features in the Human Rights Radio to sensitize the public against the evil act of trafficking, the inspiration to write the book was born out of necessity and the demand by sex workers to be given freedom, pushed her to fighting for the girl child right. She however stated that the issue of girl child trafficking is a problem which has been mostly stereotype to her mother-state, Edo state.
In stating this, she said there was need to fight this menace that has deepened the pain and cause ridicule of the country in the international community. “contributing my quota in joining NAPTIP with my work ‘Udukh: the surrogate daughter’ is pertinent and a brave start. And if every Nigerian can brace up to fight this fight, this ugly new slavery called human trafficking will surely end. I shall meet schools and worship centre’s to groom ambassadors and anti-human trafficking campaigners”, she said.
The book was however reviewed by Prof. Mabel Evwierhoma. In her words, ‘Udukh: the Surrogate Daughter’ by content is rich and by information is intact to tackle the issue of girl child trafficking. She therefore urged Nigerians to join hands with the Agencies to combat the menace and bring to bearing in the life of this children a better life, a better dream and a better future.
Representative of the Honourable Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Hon. Omosede Igbinedion (member representing Okada Constituency) in her speech also, acknowledged the author and pledged her total support towards curbing the menace of human trafficking. She narrated some odd context in which Nigeria and mostly her mother-sate Edo state has been ridiculed in face of other places. She therefore urge every Nigerian to be supportive to the movement and they should desists from negligence and shifting responsibility.
The event witnessed the presence of well meaning Nigerians. In person of Mrs. Carol Ndaguba, first Director General, NAPTIP; Mrs. (Barr.) Julie Okah-Donli, NAPTIP Director General, represented by her Directors and staff; the Chief of Army Staff, represented by his Director; Director General, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, represented by the most senior Durector; National Commandant, Peace Corps of Nigeria, represented by his PRO and other staff; the Executive Secretary, Joint Tax Board, represented by his Staff; children from different school etc.
Udukhotse Foundation is a foundation that is humanitarian oriented. Her major drive rest on the tripod of caring for the challenged people both old and young, helping them discover their dreams and promoting their interest to the larger society. In this essence, the Foundation has offered books to children from different schools in both the country capital territory, Abuja, Edo state, Lagos State, Niger State, Osun State, Adamawa State, Borno State etc. She however wants to replicate such act in other state to support the school dropouts and the less privilege persons in the society.
The foundation has also attracted different NGO’s to support school children with different facilities and resources to develop them and help them discover their dreams.
Udukhotse foundation as unveiled on 3 March 2018, holds her service to humanity and still believe in the bright future of Nigeria and Nigerians irrespective of your level of privileges.
