Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has hailed former President Olusegun Obasanjo over the swift assent to the bill creating Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF).
He also commended the National Assembly for passing the bill even as he urged that no child should be denied education and no woman should suffer from trafficking.
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections stated this on Monday at the 25th anniversary of WOTCLEF in Abuja.
He said, “Twenty-five years ago, in 1999, our journey commenced. It was a year of transformative promise — a year that heralded not just the dawn of a new democracy, but also the emergence of a beacon of hope for our most vulnerable.
“WOTCLEF arose from a profound need for change, to confront the grim realities faced by so many, where the innocent often fell victim to human trafficking, child labour, and abuse.
“At the heart of this initiative was my beloved wife, Her Excellency Amina Titi Atiku Abubakar, who recognized the urgency to become a voice for the voiceless upon my swearing-in as Vice President.
“As I stand here today, I’m filled with pride and admiration for Titi. Her unwavering dedication to combatting human trafficking and child labour has changed countless lives. She didn’t merely witness the suffering of women and children; she took decisive action to lead the charge for change.
“Faced with the ravages of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the scars left by years of military dictatorship, Titi envisioned a better future—a future where democratic governance reignites hope and empowers every individual to reclaim their dignity and rights. WOTCLEF stands as a testament not only to her compassion but also to the transformative power of our democratic journey.
Speaking further, he said, “I take this moment to express our profound gratitude to members of both Chambers of the National Assembly, for their decisive action on July 7, 2003, in passing the WOTCLEF-sponsored private member bill that laid the foundation for the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act 2003, which birthed NAPTIP. This legislative milestone prioritized the protection of our most vulnerable citizens.
“Furthermore, I want to extend our profound and most heartfelt appreciation to former President Olusegun Obasanjo for his swift assent to the WOTCLEF bill, which prohibited women trafficking and child labour in Nigeria. His courageous leadership fostered the environment that energized WOTCLEF’s mission, reinforcing our democratic values while delivering vital hope to our downtrodden communities.
“Subsequent Nigerian Presidents have carried forward this noble effort, recognizing the urgency of combatting women trafficking and child labour. They diligently scrutinized the 2003 Act, leading to its repeal and re-enactment on March 26, 2015, by President Muhammadu Buhari, which re-established NAPTIP as a federal agency devoted to fighting the most egregious violations of women’s and children’s rights.’
He added, “As we look ahead, let’s harness our collective strength to engage all segments of society —governments, businesses, and communities —advocating for actionable solutions that uplift our most vulnerable citizens. In the years to come, I’m confident that Nigerians will build upon the foundation laid by Her Excellency Titi and the compassionate individuals dedicated to WOTCLEF’s mission.
“Let’s ensure that no child is denied an education and that no woman suffers through trafficking and exploitation in silence. Let’s eliminate the shadows of trafficking and exploitation from our society. Let’s unite in purpose and action. Together, we can forge a future where dignity, justice, and hope triumph for every Nigerian.”
- Coastal Highway Scandal: I’ve Been Vindicated, Atiku Says - October 16, 2025
- Nigeria, Austria Deepen Bilateral Economic Relations - October 16, 2025
- We’re Committed To Speedy Judicial Trial Of Waiting Inmates – FG - October 16, 2025