Media entrepreneur, women, youth and human trafficking advocate, Oladapo Sofowora, has intensified his effort to ensure modern-day slavery is reduced to the barest minimum. The CEO of Rudder Blade Global, who has been a strong advocate against women and child trafficking, played a pivotal role in the successful training programme as a facilitator of the annual 6-day empowerment programme for repatriated victims of human trafficking. The programme was organized in collaboration with His Imperial Majesty, The Ooni of Ife; Ooni Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi and Mrs Kehinde Adelaja Okoroafor of MakeMee Elegant Foundation in Ile-Ife to mark the 7th coronation anniversary of his the Ooni. The empowerment programme featured rescued victims of human trafficking who were tutored on how to make shoes, palm slippers, bags, rhinestones, adire, beads, sewing, cosmetics using shea butter and a whole lot more.
At the end of the programme, Dapo, the graduate of English from Olabisi Onabanjo University was awarded a certificate of commendation and appreciation by the Ooni of Ife for his active participation and his visible quest for his continuous fight against human trafficking. The commendation certificate was presented on behalf of the Ooni by the Iyalaje Oodua, Princess Dr. Toyin Kolade alongside Ms. Peju Oke of Hope Fore Sure Foundation and Ms Kehinde Okoroafor.
In his acceptance remarks, Oladapo, who is a columnist at The Nation newspaper, thanked the Ooni of Ife for spotting his effort over the years, noting that his passion for women empowerment continues to wax strong when he hears touching experiences of some victims, which started years ago, especially the suffering they passed through before they found their ways back to Nigeria.
“As a woman and youth advocate, I took a special interest in fighting against human trafficking which has led me to playing a pivotal role in ensuring those rescued are given a lifeline by empowering them with skills before we reintegrate them back into society. Today, they are still luring many innocent girls with the story that they will find greener pastures in countries like Libya, Lebanon, Oman but it’s all lies. They lure them and sell them into prostitution and all kind of nefarious acts they even violate their human rights. Our women deserve better. More reason I partnered with MakeMee Elegant Foundation, NAPTIP, NIDCOM and other government agencies to create awareness and sensitize young ladies on the harm that comes with traveling to these countries. If you are resourceful in Nigeria, it’s the best place to make money and establish one’s self quickly.”
The Special Assistant on Media to the Lagos State Assembly Deputy Speaker added that he has also embarked on feeding the downtrodden as a means to cushion the effects of the biting economy. He said the project is being used to feed about 100 people monthly while he plans to increase the number going forward.
