The Olusegun Fadare Empowerment Foundation (OFEF) marked a major milestone in the fight against human trafficking as a new cohort of Certified Anti-Trafficking Consultants graduated in Ado-Ekiti — strengthening Ekiti State’s capacity to prevent trafficking and protect vulnerable people.
A landmark certification
In partnership with the US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights (USIDHR), the Foundation sponsored 20 women on full scholarships through a Human Trafficking Prevention Certification Programme, qualifying them as Certified Anti-Trafficking Consultants. A graduation ceremony held on 13 February 2026 at the Ministry of Justice Academy, State Secretariat, Ado-Ekiti, recognised 40 beneficiaries in total, drawn from key institutions across the state.
A coalition against trafficking
The programme brought together government agencies, security services, academia and civil society — reflecting the collaborative approach at the heart of OFEF’s work. Beneficiaries were drawn from:
- Ekiti State Ministry of Justice
- Ekiti State Task Force on Human Trafficking
- National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Ekiti Command
- Network of Civil Society Organisations Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL)
- Ekiti State University
- Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ekiti Command
- Ekiti State Police Command
- Nigeria Immigration Service, Ekiti Command
Voices from the ceremony
The ceremony featured keynote addresses from Akeju Oluwafemi Daniel and Ibrahim Abubakar Sani, USIDHR Country Director, alongside virtual remarks from USIDHR headquarters in the United States. Programming was coordinated by Alexander Adekunle Adeyemi, Chief Programme Officer of USIDHR Nigeria and Programme Manager for the Foundation.
A strategic investment in inclusive community development.
Alexander Adekunle Adeyemi, on the scholarship initiative
He emphasised the programme’s role in strengthening Ekiti State’s capacity to combat human trafficking through a growing network of trained, certified professionals.
Beyond anti-trafficking
The certification is one strand of the Foundation’s broader human rights work. Through its Human Rights Advocacy and Youth Reform Initiative — delivered in partnership with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ekiti Chapter — OFEF convened representatives from six higher institutions at the College of Nursing Sciences Hall, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital. The Foundation’s wider interventions include secondary-school human rights education, community awareness on child protection and gender equality, skills development for women and youth, and public forums on civic responsibility and leadership.
Aligned with global goals
OFEF’s work advances the Sustainable Development Goals — particularly quality education, gender equality, decent work, reduced inequalities, and peace and justice. By investing in people and institutions, the Foundation continues to build a safer, more inclusive and resilient Ekiti State.
This milestone was also covered in the press by Ekiti News 247.