Life Line: Emmanuel World Children Foundation On Rescue Mission, Gives Start-up Equipment To Survivor Of Human trafficking In Edo

By Joy Richardson

In a powerful display of resilience and hope, the Emmanuel World Children Foundation (EWCF) and partners, Free the slave with funding from USA government organized a significant event on Friday, May 31, 2024, in Benin City, Nigeria.

The gathering which is a part of the foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting survivors of human trafficking, saw an inspiring convergence of courage, solidarity and the promise of new beginnings.

The event, aptly named the “Survivors Network Meeting,” brought together individuals who have endured the harrowing experiences of human trafficking. These survivors, now on a path to reclaim their lives, were not only given a platform to share their stories and build a supportive community but were also presented with essential start-up equipment to aid their journey towards self-sufficiency and economic independence.

The event began with a warm welcome from the foundation’s Executive Director, Mr. Emmanuel Adaramola, who spoke passionately about the organization’s mission to support and empower survivors and other activities of the foundation for the past 27 years.

“Today is not just a meeting,” Mr. Adaramola said. “It is a celebration of your strength, a recognition of your courage, and a step towards a brighter future for each of you.”

The event saw the presence of several distinguished guests who have been instrumental in the fight against human trafficking.

Barrister Nduka Nwanwenne, Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, who was represented by Mr. Stephen Selowo, Head of the Counselling and Rehabilitation Unit, said “Emmanuel World Children Foundation, doesn’t have a regular means of income but rely on donor. All the equipment you are seeing here today must be valued and well utilized he admonished the survivor’s”.

He further stated “you have been invested in, also invest in others so we can end human trafficking and child labour, We appreciate all partners that contributed. Congratulations to all the beneficiaries, I am sure your families will be proud of you today”. He added.

The Commissioner of Social Development and Gender Issues, Honourbale Christabel Omoh-Ekwu who was represented by Mrs. Osawe Precious, said the government appreciates non governmental organizations like Emmanuel World Children foundation for a job well done and empowering survivors of human trafficking in Edo State.

One of the survivors,  Adefunke, who spoke about her journey from victim to survivor, inspired many with her story of transformation. Presently she is into sales of male footwears, she advised other survivors of human trafficking to be focused and determined.

Another survivor from South South, Loveth said ” It was not easy coming back to Nigeria in 2023, I thank God Almighty for using Emmanuel World Children Foundation to care for all our responsibilities. For girls who have decided to go back to Senegal, they are making a very terrible mistake of their lives and they will live to regret it all the days of their lives”.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of start-up equipment to the survivors. The donors and partners, Free the slave with funding from USA government, were all appreciated. The foundation was able to provide a range of tools and resources tailored to the individual interests and skills of the survivors.

Items such as sewing machines, hairdressing kits, baking equipment, generator sets, POS machines, Power banks, Solar torchlights, footwears, phone accessories, food items for sales as well as cash were presented to the survivors, each representing a new beginning and a pathway to economic independence.

One of the beneficiaries of the start-up equipment, a young woman named John Esther, beamed with pride as she received a set of tailoring equipment. “This is a dream come true for me,” she said, tears of joy in her eyes. “I have always wanted to start my own sewing business, and now I have the tools to do it. thank you, Emmanuel World Children Foundation, for giving me hope and a chance to start over again.”

In her vote of thanks Mrs Precious Adaramola, Appreciated God Almighty for making the event a reality. The donors and partners, Free the slave with funding from USA government for their unflinching support. She was excited about the lives of the survivor’s because they all turned a new leaf, “when you are working and you see  positive results in their character, life style and the resilience and determination to start a new life, this motivates us to be more dedicated”.

As the event came to a close, the survivors left not just with physical working tools but with a renewed sense of hope, beginning and start-up equipment that would continue to uplift them and make them better people in the society.