The Galilee Foundation, a non-governmental organization based in Nigeria, has empowered 26 survivors of human trafficking who were recently rescued from Libya.
The empowerment program, held on Friday, is part of the foundation’s ongoing efforts to support victims of human trafficking, drug abuse, and destitution. The foundation was established in 1989 by Reverend Olubunmi Olu Alakija.
According to the Executive Director, Dr. Gregory Egbadon, the survivors were empowered based on their personal requests. Some opted for vocational paths including catering, hairdressing, fashion design, and trading in food items, while others requested to return to school.
Dr. Egbadon confirmed that those who chose to continue their education have been enrolled in schools, with sponsorship provided by the foundation. Those pursuing business ventures received items relevant to their fields, such as gas cookers, freezers, baking supplies, foodstuffs, and other start-up materials.
He noted that this marks the fourth empowerment initiative organized by the foundation and was sponsored by Freedom Funds International. He also emphasized that the foundation continues to monitor the progress of the beneficiaries and offers rehabilitation support due to the psychological trauma many endured.
Dr. Egbadon said all recipients were thoroughly screened to confirm they were genuine victims of human trafficking. He added that the foundation also carries out weekly awareness campaigns in schools to educate students about the risks of trafficking and the importance of contentment.
In his goodwill message, Comrade Osita Osemene, National Secretary and Head of Programmes for the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), stated that NACTAL works with nearly 300 member organizations across Nigeria to provide support in areas such as mental health, shelter, and reintegration.
Osemene explained that NACTAL provides structured training and assessments for survivors at intervals of four months, six months, and one year to monitor their recovery and progress.
Some of the survivors shared their experiences, stating they were deceived with promises of better opportunities abroad. They expressed gratitude to the Galilee Foundation for its intervention and pledged to use the support effectively.
Representatives from the National Orientation Agency, the Oyo State Ministry of Women Affairs, and the Nigeria Immigration Service also attended the event and commended the foundation’s efforts, pledging further collaboration in the fight against human trafficking.
