By Grace Audu (ABUJA) –
Portals of Hope Foundation (POHF), a new non-governmental organisation committed to protecting the rights of vulnerable persons and tackling some of Nigeria’s most pressing social challenges, has been officially launched in Abuja.
Founded by newly called legal practitioner, Barrister Oluebubechi Emerole, the organisation will focus on combating human trafficking, sexual and gender-based violence, drug abuse, and providing support for young persons awaiting trial in correctional centres without legal or social assistance.
Barr Oluebubechi Emerole showcasing her certificates
The Foundation was unveiled on July 8, 2026, during a reception held to celebrate Emerole’s call to the Nigerian Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Atiku’s wife hails initiative
Speaking at the unveiling, Founder of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF) and wife of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Chief (Mrs.) Amina Titi Atiku Abubakar, applauded Emerole for demonstrating exceptional commitment to social justice at a young age.
She described the initiative as a clear indication that Nigerian youths are increasingly taking ownership of the fight against crimes and social vices affecting their generation.
- Titi Abubakar
Reflecting on her own campaign against human trafficking, which began in 1999, Mrs. Atiku Abubakar recalled that many Nigerians were initially unaware of the scale of the problem despite its devastating impact on society.
She expressed satisfaction that more individuals, particularly young Nigerians, are now joining the campaign against human trafficking and related crimes.
“The fight against human trafficking and related crimes should not be left to government alone,” she said. “Wealthy individuals, private organisations and multinational corporations should support non-governmental organisations like Portals of Hope Foundation, which is following the path pioneered by WOTCLEF.”
POHF Aligns with NAPTIP’s Strategic Approach – DG
Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Hajiya Binta Adamu Bello, OON, congratulated Emerole on her successful completion of legal training and her call to the Bar.
She described the establishment of the Foundation as timely, noting that it aligns with NAPTIP’s strategic “Whole-of-Society and Whole-of-Government Approach” to combating human trafficking.
According to Bello, meaningful progress in the fight against trafficking requires broad collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations, development partners and citizens.
She urged Nigerian youths to become active advocates against human trafficking and other forms of exploitation, stressing that “their voices must be heard.”
Emerole’s initiative worthy of national support – former Nigerian Minister
Former Minister of Education, Prof. Chinwe Obaji, also commended Emerole for translating her legal career into a platform for humanitarian service.
- Prof Chinwe Obaji
She described the initiative as worthy of national support, saying it reflects the young lawyer’s sense of purpose and commitment to nation-building.
Prof. Obaji, who lectures on human trafficking as a visiting professor at an American university, observed that young people are more likely to respond positively to advocacy delivered by their peers.
She added that supporting initiatives such as Portals of Hope Foundation would encourage more Nigerian youths to reject crime and embrace positive social values.
Presenting the Foundation’s mission, a member of its Board of Trustees, Mrs. Chioma Omamegbe, said POHF was established to promote and protect the rights of vulnerable persons, particularly women and children.
She explained that the organisation will work to combat human trafficking, migrant smuggling, drug trafficking and all forms of violence against persons, especially sexual and gender-based violence.
According to her, the Foundation’s beneficiaries will include victims of human trafficking and migrant smuggling, survivors of drug abuse, indigent individuals and communities affected by violence and social exclusion, as well as young and disadvantaged persons awaiting trial in correctional facilities without adequate support.
“Our vision is to build a society where every individual can live free from exploitation, abuse and fear,” she said.
Omamegbe added that the Foundation intends to pursue this vision through sustained advocacy, public awareness campaigns, strategic partnerships and collaboration with relevant institutions.
She noted that the organisation is built on the core values of integrity, transparency, compassion, accountability and respect for human rights.
She also appealed to development partners, government agencies, corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to support the Foundation’s mission.
In her remarks, Emerole thanked guests for celebrating with her and described the unveiling as the official commencement of the Foundation’s activities.
She reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to addressing the challenges confronting vulnerable populations through advocacy, intervention programmes and strategic partnerships aimed at delivering lasting social impact.
The launch attracted a broad spectrum of dignitaries, including members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of international development agencies, senior government officials, civil society organisations, academics and religious leaders.
- Some of the other dignitaries at the event
Among those in attendance were the Proprietor of Lux Mundi University, Umuahia, Prof. G.O.C. Okenwa; Proprietor of Maryam Abacha Group of Universities, Prof. Adamu Gwarzo; Chairman of Exam Ethics International, Chief Ike Onyechere; Chief Executive Officer of Omalicha FM Owerri, Angela Agoawike; Archbishop Samuel Ocheja; AIG Charles Ugomuoh (Rtd); Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu; Chief Cletus Iwuaru, and several other prominent personalities.
This version adopts a cleaner news structure, opens with a stronger lead, reduces repetition, improves transitions, and presents the story in the polished style expected of leading newspapers while preserving all the factual content and quotations.
