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I believe in Angels; I believe in Nigeria
When I read the article on Vanguard, January 4, 2018, I was already optimistic that our Ambassador to Libya will deliver on his promise “to do everything” to return my 20yr old cousin back to her mother in Ikere Ekiti.
The fact that the girl was held hostage in a ghetto in Sabha 774km away from the embassy in Tripoli did not seem insurmountable to our envoy! From my first SOS call to him on 21st December to 6th January when she arrived at the embassy in Tripoli, he listened, was always reassuring but straight to the point. Ambassador Illiya Fachano (I finally asked his name when I called to thank him because our earlier conversations never got to such details) and his team reinforces my belief that there are pockets of excellence in our government; dedicated professionals who work hard to deliver results. It is my hope that the government will continue with the evacuation as well as advocacy on human trafficking.
My sense of optimism actually began on December 20th when Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, instantly responded to a text message that I sent asking if she could help. No, we’ve never met, and I know it wasn’t a special favor because of the detailed information that she sent to me in a space of 3 minutes!
“Pls liaise with Director Legal Naptip +234 803 349 5703. They are the ones in charge.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja wishes to provide the emergency phone numbers and email addresses for Nigerians in Libya who may wish to contact the Embassy of Nigeria in that country for assistance. The phone numbers are available 24 hours for urgent attention or support from the Mission: +218910144487, +218925099384, +218917953365. The email addresses for the purpose of contacting the Embassy or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja are: [email protected] or [email protected]”
I trust that the Vanguard will do an in-depth coverage of the tireless efforts of these representatives of Nigeria and continue to create awareness on human trafficking in general.
While I focused on Libya, my cousin back at home interfaced with Police and CID, NAPTIP and Federation of International Women Lawyers, Ekiti Chapter. There were also pockets of excellence in the systems with people going the extra mile to help bring the perpetrators to face the consequences of their actions.
I appreciate my immediate family for their understanding of my distraction during the festive season and I will be forever grateful to the angels sent to guide me in my hour of panic on December 20th (Neka and Saratu).
Olajumoke Adamolekun
Iju, Akure North, Ondo State
