The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has committed to collaborating with the Daurama Foundation to address the challenges that make women and girls susceptible to exploitation and human trafficking.
This commitment was announced during the online graduation ceremony of 39 young women who completed the Samira Buhari Mentorship Programme (SBMP), a comprehensive 12-week training designed to enhance leadership abilities, career growth, and digital proficiency.
Under the theme “Empowering Africa’s Next Generation of Women Leaders,” the event highlighted the importance of nurturing female leadership across the continent.
Speakers included Dr. Samira Buhari and Angela Agbayekhai, the director of counselling and rehabilitation at NAPTIP, who represented the agency’s director-general. Both emphasized the significance of the programme’s mission.
Agbayekhai applauded the initiative for equipping young women with vital skills and opportunities, noting its alignment with national efforts to safeguard women and girls from harm.
“Women and girls in our communities often face risks that can affect multiple generations. The SBMP’s work to uplift and empower these young women is both timely and crucial. NAPTIP is eager to support this momentum to ensure safer and more resilient futures,” she remarked.
The mentorship curriculum covered a broad range of topics including leadership development, entrepreneurship, effective communication, business strategy, and digital literacy.
Participants benefited from practical experiences such as simulated interviews, personalized coaching, and networking opportunities, all aimed at preparing them for success in professional and business environments.
Dr. Buhari highlighted that the programme’s goal was to instill confidence and leadership capabilities that would enable participants to influence their communities positively and beyond.
“This occasion is more than a graduation; it is a tribute to bravery and potential. Mentorship should unlock opportunities, build self-assurance, and spark enduring passion beyond the classroom walls.
“Investing in women catalyzes transformation in communities, economies, and nations. Women’s perspectives must be central to decision-making and progress,” she affirmed.
The Daurama Foundation stated that the SBMP will continue to foster a network of emerging women leaders and promote skill-building initiatives as part of a wider strategy to combat gender disparities and economic exclusion.
During the ceremony, outstanding graduates were honoured with cash awards and digital devices to aid their ongoing education and entrepreneurial ventures.
Mercy Ajeh, a mentor who led sessions on digital productivity, praised the participants’ enthusiasm and commitment.
“These young women consistently demonstrated eagerness to learn, often exceeding expectations by organizing schedules, drafting documents, and recording minutes. The programme’s rigorous structure challenged them, and they met it with determination,” she noted.
Graduate Fatima Shema shared how the mentorship transformed her career trajectory.
“SBMP boosted my confidence and clarified my goals. Just a day after our practice interviews, I succeeded in a real job interview and secured employment. I’ve found my voice and am now developing a creative business that empowers other women,” she said.
The event also recognized the valuable support from partner organizations including NAPTIP, the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation, and the FCTA Women Affairs Secretariat, alongside the dedicated volunteers and staff who made the programme possible.
