Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), praised former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday for signing the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF) Bill during his tenure.
WOTCLEF, an organization dedicated to combating women trafficking, was founded by Titi Abubakar, the former First Lady. Atiku noted that Obasanjo’s leadership played a crucial role in fostering an environment conducive to WOTCLEF’s important work.
The former Vice President made these remarks while celebrating WOTCLEF’s 25th anniversary. In a statement he issued, he said, “Today, we come together not only to commemorate a significant milestone—the 25th anniversary of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation, fondly known as WOTCLEF—but also to honour a vision that has profoundly impacted human rights and social justice in Nigeria.”
He added, “I want to express my sincere gratitude to all of you for being present today. Your attendance reflects your commitment to fighting against the abhorrent realities of human trafficking and child labour and your unwavering support for the rights of women and children in our country.”
Recalling the foundation’s beginnings, he said, “Our journey began twenty-five years ago in 1999, a year that promised transformation—not only marking the start of a new democracy but also giving rise to a beacon of hope for our vulnerable populations. WOTCLEF was born out of a critical need for change to address the harsh realities faced by many victims of human trafficking, child labour, and abuse.”
Atiku highlighted the pivotal role played by his wife, Amina Titi Atiku Abubakar, who, recognizing the urgent need for advocacy, took action following his inauguration as Vice President.
“I am immensely proud of Titi,” he stated. “Her relentless commitment to fighting human trafficking and child labour has positively impacted countless lives. She did not merely bear witness to the plight of women and children; she actively championed the cause for change.”
He also expressed deep gratitude to President Olusegun Obasanjo for his prompt approval of the WOTCLEF bill, which criminalized women trafficking and child labour in Nigeria. “His bold leadership created an environment that invigorated WOTCLEF’s mission, reinforcing our democratic principles while instilling hope in our marginalized communities,” Atiku remarked.
He noted that subsequent Nigerian Presidents have continued this vital work, acknowledging the need to combat women trafficking and child labour. The 2003 Act was carefully reviewed and ultimately repealed and reenacted on March 26, 2015, under President Muhammadu Buhari, which reestablished NAPTIP as a federal agency dedicated to addressing the serious violations of women’s and children’s rights.
“At the heart of these efforts lies the power of collaborative governance and our shared commitment to creating a safer, more equitable society for everyone,” he concluded.
