ATIKU’S WIFE UNVEILS PORTALS OF HOPE FOUNDATION IN ABUJA, TO CHAMPION RIGHTS OF VULNERABLE PERSONS

A new Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Portals of Hope Foundation (POHF), dedicated to the protection and promotion of the rights of vulnerable persons—particularly victims of human trafficking, sexual and gender-based violence, drug abuse, and young persons awaiting trial in correctional facilities without support—has been officially unveiled in Abuja.

Chiagozie Emerole, Press Officer to POHF said in a press statement that

the Foundation, initiated by Barrister Oluebubechi Emerole, was unveiled on July 8, 2026, during a reception held to celebrate her Call to the Nigerian Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Giving details of what transpired, Chiagozie ,the Press Officer stated the NGO was unveiled by the Founder of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF) and wife of former Vice President of Nigeria, Chief (Mrs.) Amina Titi Atiku Abubakar and that Atiku’s wife commended the young lawyer for her visionary initiative. She described the establishment of the Foundation as a clear demonstration that Nigerian youths are prepared to lead the charge in tackling societal challenges, particularly those affecting vulnerable groups.

Reflecting on her pioneering efforts against human trafficking, Mrs. Atiku Abubakar recalled that when WOTCLEF commenced operations in 1999, many Nigerians were largely unaware of the devastating impact of human trafficking. She expressed satisfaction that increasing numbers of Nigerians, especially young people, are now joining the campaign to combat the menace.

She stressed that the fight against human trafficking and related crimes should not be left to government alone.

“Wealthy individuals, private organisations and multinational corporations should support non-governmental organisations like Portals of Hope Foundation, which is following in the footsteps of WOTCLEF in the fight against human trafficking and other social vices,” she said.»

Earlier in her remarks, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Hajia Binta Adamu Bello, OON, congratulated Barrister Emerole on her successful completion of legal training and Call to the Nigerian Bar.

She also applauded the establishment of the Foundation, describing it as timely and consistent with NAPTIP’s strategic “Whole-of-Society and Whole-of-Government Approach” to combating human trafficking.

Calling for broader collaboration in addressing the menace, the NAPTIP Director-General urged Nigerian youths to become active advocates against trafficking and exploitation, emphasizing that their voices are vital in shaping a safer society.

Also speaking, former Minister of Education, Professor Chinwe Obaji, paid glowing tribute to Barrister Emerole for what she described as a noble and impactful initiative deserving of widespread support.

“Oluebube has demonstrated remarkable focus and commitment through this initiative,” Professor Obaji stated, noting that the social challenges the Foundation seeks to address require collective action.

Drawing from her experience as a Visiting Professor at an American university where she teaches courses on human trafficking, Professor Obaji observed that youth-led advocacy would resonate more strongly with young people and inspire them to reject crime, exploitation and other social vices.

Presenting the Foundation’s profile, a member of its Board of Trustees, Mrs. Chioma Omamegbe, said the organisation was established to protect and promote the rights of vulnerable persons, particularly women and children.

She explained that the Foundation is committed to combating human trafficking, smuggling of migrants, drug abuse and trafficking, while also advocating against violence, especially sexual and gender-based violence.

According to her, the Foundation’s target beneficiaries include victims of human trafficking and migrant smuggling, survivors of drug abuse, indigent individuals and communities affected by violence and social exclusion, as well as young and indigent persons awaiting trial in correctional facilities across Nigeria.

Mrs. Omamegbe stated that the vision of the Foundation is to build a society where every individual can live free from exploitation, abuse and fear. She noted that this vision would be pursued through sustained advocacy, public enlightenment, strategic partnerships and collaboration with relevant stakeholders and institutions.

She added that the organisation is guided by the core values of integrity, transparency, compassion, accountability and respect for human rights.

Mrs. Omamegbe appealed to individuals, development partners, government agencies and corporate organisations to partner with the Foundation in advancing its mission.

In her remarks, Barrister Oluebubechi Emerole expressed profound appreciation to all guests for identifying with her on the landmark occasion. She described the unveiling ceremony as the official commencement of the Foundation’s operations and reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the challenges confronting vulnerable populations through advocacy, intervention programmes and strategic partnerships.

The event attracted an impressive array of distinguished personalities from across the country, including members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of international development agencies, senior government officials, civil society organisations, academics and religious leaders.

Among those in attendance were the Proprietor of Lux Mundi University, Umuahia, Professor G.O.C. Okenwa; the Founder of the Maryam Abacha American University Group, Professor Adamu Gwarzo; Chairman of Exam Ethics International, Chief Ike Onyechere; Chief Executive Officer of Omalicha FM, Owerri, Angela Agoawike; Archbishop Samuel Ocheja; AIG Charles Ugomuoh (Rtd.); Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu; Chief Cletus Iwuaru, and several other eminent personalities.

Signed

Chiagozie Emerole

Press Officer

Portals of Hope Foundation (POHF)