On Monday, the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, expressed heartfelt appreciation for former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s pivotal role in supporting the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF) Bill, a landmark measure enacted during Obasanjo’s presidency.
This tribute coincided with the 25th anniversary of WOTCLEF, an initiative founded by former First Lady Titi Abubakar to combat human trafficking and child labor in Nigeria.
Atiku emphasized that Obasanjo’s administration fostered a vital environment for WOTCLEF’s mission, reinforcing the organization’s impact on human rights and social justice.
The occasion also served as a reunion for Atiku and his former principal, as they joined others in honoring WOTCLEF’s enduring contributions.
Reflecting on the milestone, Atiku said, “Today, we gather not only to celebrate WOTCLEF’s 25th anniversary but to recognize a vision that has reshaped the landscape of human rights and social justice in Nigeria.
“Twenty-five years ago, in 1999, we began a transformative journey. WOTCLEF emerged in response to the profound need to address the grim realities of human trafficking, child labor, and abuse faced by so many, particularly the vulnerable and innocent.”
Atiku also paid special tribute to his wife, Her Excellency Amina Titi Atiku Abubakar, whose leadership sparked the initiative. “Her unwavering dedication has transformed countless lives, as she became a powerful advocate for the voiceless,” he shared.
Acknowledging Obasanjo’s swift enactment of the WOTCLEF Bill, Atiku remarked, “We extend our most heartfelt appreciation to President Olusegun Obasanjo for his courageous leadership. His endorsement created an empowering atmosphere for WOTCLEF’s mission and fortified our democratic values while bringing hope to our communities.”
Atiku further noted that subsequent Nigerian Presidents have built on this legacy, with President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-enactment of the 2003 Act in 2015, which re-established NAPTIP, the federal agency dedicated to protecting women and children from exploitation.
“These efforts underscore the strength of collaborative governance and our shared commitment to a safer, fairer society for all,” he concluded, urging continued support for WOTCLEF’s cause.
