Oladapo Sofowora Revigorates Fight Against Human Trafficking, Hunger

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 head honcho of Rudder Blade Global who has been a strong advocate against women and child trafficking played a pivotal role in the successful training program as a facilitator of the annual 6-day empowerment program for repatriated victims of human trafficking 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 Imperial Majesty.

The empowerment program featured rescued victims of human trafficking who were tutored on how to make Shoes, Slippers, Bags, rhinestones, Adire, Beads, Sewing, cosmetics using shea butter and a whole lot more.

At the end of the program, the graduate of English from Olabisi Onabanjo University was awarded a certificate of commendation and appreciation by His Imperial Majesty 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 Ooni by Iyalaje Oodua; Princess Dr. Toyin Kolade alongside Ms. Peju Oke of Hope Fore Sure Foundation and Ms Kehinde Okoroafor.

In his acceptance remarks; while thanking the Ooni of Ife for spotting his intense effort over the years, Sofowora –also a Post Graduate Degree holder in Public Relations and Advert from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism and a columnist with The Nation Newspaper– noted that; his passion for women empowerment has continued to wax strong when he heard the touching experience of some victims years ago and the things they went through in the hands of their masters before they finally 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 to me 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 a catchy story that they will find greener pastures in countries like Libya, Lebanon, and 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 Assembly Deputy Speaker added that he has also embarked on feeding the downtrodden project as a means to cushion the effect of the biting economy to fight hunger.

“The economy globally is dwindling so hunger is on the rise as people can no longer afford all the basic things they need for survival. A Hungry man is an angry man. Each time I see people beg that they have not eaten, it moves me to tears because I know what hunger can cause. Hunger can make you indulge in things you won’t do ordinarily. That’s why I have been feeding at least 100 people monthly and I plan to increase my capacity as the year goes by.”