Abuja, Nigeria – February 8, 2025 – The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to combating human trafficking in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
This pledge was made during a courtesy visit by the Director General of NAPTIP, Hajia Binta Lami Adamu Bello, and her top management team at the State House in Abuja.
During the meeting, Senator Tinubu was briefed on the agency’s recent activities, including a successful raid on a baby factory in Abuja where 19 pregnant young girls were rescued.
Expressing concern over the increasing vulnerability of youths to traffickers, she urged young Nigerians to embrace patience and hard work instead of succumbing to the allure of quick wealth.
She emphasized, “The get-rich-quick syndrome is not helping matters. Even our religious institutions are indulging in prosperity preaching.
Yet, the Bible talks about work.”
The First Lady also highlighted the negative influence of social media and Nollywood in shaping unrealistic aspirations.
She assured NAPTIP of her support and announced plans to engage with wives of state governors to amplify awareness and advocacy efforts against human trafficking.
This initiative aims to enhance community-based interventions and foster grassroots support for the agency’s mission.
NAPTIP Calls for Strategic Partnerships
Earlier in her remarks, Hajia Binta Lami Adamu Bello emphasized the urgency of NAPTIP’s renewed campaign against human trafficking and gender-based violence (GBV).
She described trafficking as the second largest transnational organized crime globally, after drug trafficking, adding that it poses a significant menace in Nigeria.
Bello underscored the importance of mobilizing resources and strengthening legal frameworks to address the challenges hindering the agency’s operations.
Despite recent successes, such as rescuing 21 young victims en route from Niger State to the Republic of Niger, she noted that gaps in funding, shelter provisions, and legislative support remain pressing issues.
The Director General appealed for Senator Tinubu’s intervention in areas such as skills acquisition programs, awareness campaigns, and the establishment of safe homes for victims.
“The fight against trafficking requires the active engagement of critical stakeholders,” she stated, calling for collective action to tackle this growing crisis.
Support for Women’s Development
In a separate engagement, Senator Tinubu also welcomed the new national executives of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), led by its National President, Princess Edna Azura.
The delegation expressed gratitude for her continued support to the council, particularly following the passing of its immediate past president, Hajia Lami Adamu Lau.
Commending the council’s unity and dedication, Senator Tinubu encouraged them to leverage programs under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to uplift their members at subnational levels.
She reiterated her commitment to strengthening Nigerian families through RHI programs designed to promote sustainable development and economic empowerment.
The First Lady’s engagements underscore her dedication to addressing critical societal challenges while fostering collaboration with key stakeholders to create lasting change.