Atiku’s wife unveils Portals of Hope Foundation in Abuja to champion rights of vulnerable persons
A new Non-Governmental Organisation, the Portals of Hope Foundation, POHF, dedicated to the protection and promotion of the rights of vulnerable persons has been unveiled in Abuja.
The Foundation, founded by Barrister Oluebubechi Emerole, targets victims of human trafficking, sexual and gender-based violence, drug abuse, and indigent young persons awaiting trial in correctional facilities without support.
It was unveiled on July 8, 2026, during a reception held to celebrate her Call to the Nigerian Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The Foundation was formally unveiled by the Founder of Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation, WOTCLEF, and wife of former Vice President, Chief Mrs. Amina Titi Atiku Abubakar.
Mrs. Atiku Abubakar commended the young lawyer for her vision, describing the initiative as proof that Nigerian youths are ready to lead the charge in tackling societal challenges affecting vulnerable groups.
Reflecting on her pioneering anti-trafficking efforts, she recalled that when WOTCLEF commenced operations in 1999, many Nigerians were largely unaware of the scourge of human trafficking. She said she was pleased that more young people are now joining the campaign.
She stressed that the fight should not be left to government alone.
“Wealthy individuals, private organisations and multinational corporations should support non-governmental organisations like Portals of Hope Foundation, which is following in the footsteps of WOTCLEF in the fight against human trafficking and other social vices,” she said.
In her remarks, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, Hajia Binta Adamu Bello, OON, congratulated Barrister Emerole on her Call to Bar and described the Foundation as timely and aligned with NAPTIP’s “Whole-of-Society and Whole-of-Government Approach” to combating trafficking.
She urged Nigerian youths to become active advocates against trafficking and exploitation.
Also speaking, former Minister of Education, Prof. Chinwe Obaji, described the initiative as noble and impactful. Drawing from her experience as a Visiting Professor at an American university where she teaches courses on human trafficking, she said youth-led advocacy resonates more strongly with young people and inspires them to reject crime and exploitation.
“Oluebube has demonstrated remarkable focus and commitment through this initiative,” she said.
Earlier, a member of the Board of Trustees, Mrs. Chioma Omamegbe, who presented the Foundation’s profile, said POHF was established to protect the rights of vulnerable persons, particularly women and children.
She said its mandate includes combating human trafficking, smuggling of migrants, drug abuse and trafficking, and advocating against sexual and gender-based violence.
According to her, beneficiaries include victims of human trafficking and migrant smuggling, survivors of drug abuse, indigent persons and communities affected by violence and social exclusion, as well as young indigent persons awaiting trial in correctional facilities across the country.
She said the Foundation’s vision is to build a society where every individual lives free from exploitation, abuse and fear, to be pursued through advocacy, public enlightenment and strategic partnerships.
She added that the organisation is guided by integrity, transparency, compassion, accountability and respect for human rights, and appealed to individuals, development partners, government agencies and corporate organisations for support.
In her response, Barrister Emerole thanked guests for honouring her and said the unveiling marks the official commencement of the Foundation’s operations.
The event attracted members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of international development agencies, senior government officials, civil society leaders, academics and religious leaders.
Dignitaries present included the Proprietor of Lux Mundi University, Umuahia, Prof. G.O.C. Okenwa; Founder of Maryam Abacha American University Group, Prof. Adamu Gwarzo; Chairman of Exam Ethics International, Chief Ike Onyechere; CEO of Omalicha FM, Owerri, Angela Agoawike; Archbishop Samuel Ocheja; AIG Charles Ugomuoh (Rtd); Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu; Chief Cletus Iwuaru, among others.
