A new non-governmental organisation, Portals of Hope Foundation (POHF), dedicated to the protection and promotion of the rights of vulnerable persons, especially victims of human trafficking, Sexual and Gender Based Violence, drug abuse, and young persons on awaiting trial in prisons without support across the country, has been unveiled in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The new entrant into the nation’s Civil Society Organisation (CSO), initiated by Oluebubechi Emerole, was unveiled on July 8, 2026.
It was unveiled as part of the reception marking Emerole’s Call to the Nigerian Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Unveiling the new organisation, Founder of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF) and Wife of a former Vice President of Nigeria, Chief Amina Titi Abubakar, commended the new lawyer for the initiative.
Abubakar said Emerole has demonstrated that Nigerian youths were set to change the narrative in the fight against various vices and crimes involving them, especially the areas chosen by the foundation to work on.
She disclosed that when she started the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria in 1999, most Nigerians were ignorant of the problems which were already eating deep into the Nigerian society and globally, but added that she is now pleased that many people, including young ones, are now adding their voices to the crusade.
She said: “The fight against human trafficking and related crimes should not be left to the government alone.
“Wealthy Individuals, private organisations, and multi-national corporations should get involved by supporting non-governmental organisations like Portals of Hope foundation, which is following the steps of WOTCLEF to get the job done.”
Speaking earlier, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Hajia Binta Adamu Bello, commended Emerole for her success at the Nigerian Law School, which led to her being called to Bar.
Bello also commended her for initiating the foundation, adding that such an initiative was necessary in Nigeria as it falls under the Agency’s strategic policy of “Whole of Society and Whole of Government Approach” in the fight against human trafficking.
While calling for more support in the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria, she added that the youths must speak out, as their voices must be heard.
Also speaking, a former Minister of Education, Prof. Chinwe Obaji, paid glowing tribute to the new wig for the initiative, which she said was worth supporting.
Obaji said: “Oluebube has by this initiative demonstrated how focused she is,” adding that the fight against the vices and crimes being taken up by the foundation requires more hands for victory to be achieved.
The visiting Professor to an American University, where she teaches issues of human trafficking, added that supporting the new foundation will encourage more young people in Nigeria to get off the vices, especially when the message is being passed by fellow young people.
Presenting the organisation’s brief, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation, Chioma Omamegbe, said the foundation was established to promote and protect the rights of vulnerable persons, particularly women and children.
According to her, the organisation is geared towards combating human trafficking, smuggling of migrants, drug trafficking, and advocating against violence against persons, especially sexual and gender-based violence.
Omamegbe stated that the NGO’s target beneficiaries include victims of human trafficking and smuggling of migrants; victims of drug abuse; indigent individuals and communities affected by violence, abuse, and social exclusion; and to support young and indigent persons languishing in various prisons awaiting trial.
“The vision of the foundation is to create a society where individuals can live free from exploitation, abuse and fear,” she explained, adding that the organisation intends to achieve that through advocacy and awareness and also partnership with relevant stakeholders and institutions.
She also highlighted that the organisation was founded on the core values and principles of integrity, transparency, compassion, accountability, and respect for human rights.
Omamegbe called on individuals, development partners, government agencies, and corporate organisations to support the Foundation’s mission.
In her remarks, Emerole, who expressed gratitude to the guests who came to honour her, said that the unveiling ceremony marked the official commencement of activities of the Foundation.
She also stated the commitment of the Foundation to addressing social challenges affecting vulnerable populations through advocacy, intervention, and strategic partnership.
The occasion was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life, including members of the Diplomatic Corps; International Development Agencies; Senior Government Functionaries; Civil Society Organisations; Academia; and Religious Leaders.
Others included the Proprietor of Lux Mundi University, Umuahia, Abia state, 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, Imo State, Angela Agoawike; Archbishop Samuel Ocheja; AIG Charles Ugomuoh (retd); Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu; and Chief Cletus Iwuaru.
