Campaign against Human Trafficking, Sexual & Drug Abuse
Event Overview
Theme: Combatting Human Trafficking: Collaborative Efforts for a Brighter Future.
Venue: John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), Edo State.
Date:
25th Sept, 2025.
The Mariam Ashley Yusuf Foundation, in collaboration with Edo State ministry of education, held its annual comprehensive campaign against human trafficking; targeted at raising awareness among schools, educators, and community stakeholders on the perils of human trafficking, sexual abuse, and drug abuse.
Dignitaries at the event included, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, Minister for Youth Development, HER EXCELLENCY,MRS. EDESIILI OKPEBHOLO ANANI, COORDINATOR, OFFICE OF THE FIRST LADY, EDO STATE, Her Excellency. Mrs. Osaretin Idahosa, Second Lady of Edo State, Government House, DR. EMMANUEL PADDY IYAMU, COMMISSIONER FOR EDUCATION, Mr Kasim Prince Afegbua, Commissioner of Information Edo state and Chief Bisi Idaomi, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Edo State. Others included, Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju, State Commander NDLEA, Edo State Command, Zonal Commander, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Edo State Command, AIG Salman-Dogo Garba, Edo State Command, Zone 5, Head of Mission, International Organization for Migration (IOM), Edo, Mr. Salis Muhammad Abdulsalam, Founder, Displaced Women and Children Foundation, Amb. Kingsley Amafibe, Project director 100 Most Notable Africa and Madam May Ikoghode Ekido, Coordinator, Girls' Power Initiatives (GPI), Edo.
The Founder and Executive Director of MAY Foundation, Mariam Ashley Yusuf, delivered a powerful and compassionate welcome address calling for better concerted efforts and coordination between security agencies, CSOs and stakeholders in curbing the menaces of trafficking, sexual exploitation, and drug abuse and its attendant consequences on young girls, calling for action to strengthen prevention efforts, sustainable rehabilitation, and integration pathways for victims. She also commended the stakeholders for their remarkable strides in tackling these problems thus far. Additionally, she launched her book titled "Stolen Dream," which recounts the story of a trafficking victim.
Dr. Paddy Iyamu, the Edo State Commissioner for Education, officially opened the campaign, praising the initiative as timely given the state government's ongoing education reforms. He stated, “Education is not just about academic performance; it is about shaping responsible citizens—the Edo Child. This campaign reinforces our collective resolve to safeguard the future of the Edo child from predators and destructive habits.”
Her Excellency, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Edo State, emphasized the urgent need to empower the Edo child with the knowledge and values necessary to resist negative influences. She noted, “Human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and substance abuse are real threats to the future of the Edo child. We believe that prevention begins with awareness, and that awareness must start in schools.”
The program included interactive sessions, and open discussions, allowing students to learn from real-life scenarios and discover practical ways to respond. Stakeholders at the event pledged to continue spreading the message across schools and communities, ensuring the campaign's impact extends beyond the classroom.
Miss Obiageli Ofulue, on behalf of students from various schools, expressed gratitude to Governor Okpebholo, the Ministry of Education, and the Mariam Ashley Yusuf Foundation for equipping them with the courage, knowledge, and resilience needed to reject destructive choices and embrace positive futures.
This stakeholder engagement is in furtherance of our unequivocal commitment to sustained partnerships with various stakeholders and agencies, as the fight against human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and drug abuse requires a “whole-of-society approach.”
