Portals of Hope Foundation (POHF), a new non-governmental organization focused on defending the rights of vulnerable people, was officially launched in Abuja.
The foundation will concentrate on victims of human trafficking, sexual and gender‑based violence (SGBV), substance abuse, and young people awaiting trial in prisons who lack support.
POHF was founded by Oluebubechi Emerole and publicly unveiled on July 8, 2026 during celebrations marking her Call to the Nigerian Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, according to a press release from Chiagozie Emerole, the foundation’s press officer.
Chief (Mrs.) Amina Titi Abubakar, founder of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF) and wife of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, praised Emerole’s initiative. Addressing the gathering, she said the launch shows Nigerian youth are ready to take the lead in confronting social ills affecting young people, particularly in the areas POHF will target.
Mrs. Abubakar recalled that when she began fighting human trafficking in 1999, public awareness was low, even as the problem spread nationally and internationally. She expressed satisfaction that more people, including young leaders, are now joining the fight to protect vulnerable Nigerians.
“The fight against human trafficking and related crimes should not be left to government alone. Wealthy Individuals, private organisations and multi-national corporations should get involved by supporting non-governmental organizations like Portals of Hope foundation, which is following the steps of WOTCLEF to get the job done,” she added.
Speaking Earlier, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) Hajia Binta Adamu Bello OON, commended Barrister Emerole for her success at the Nigerian Law School, which led to her being called to Bar.
She 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 that the youths must speak out, as their voices must be heard.
Also speaking, the former Minister of Education, Prof Chinwe Obaji, paid glowing tribute to the new wig for the initiative, which she said was worth supporting. “Oluebube has by this initiative demonstrated how focused she is”, she stated, adding that the fight against the vices and crimes being taken up by the foundation requires more hands for victory to be achieved.
Obaji, who is a 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 organization’s brief, a member of the Board of Trustees of the foundation, Mrs Chioma Omamegbe, said the foundation was established to promote and protect the rights of vulnerable persons, particularly women and children.
According to her, the organization is geared towards combating human trafficking, smuggling of migrants, drug trafficking and advocating against violence against persons, especially sexual and gender-based violence.
Mrs 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 on 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 organization intends to achieve that through advocacy and awareness and also through partnership with relevant stakeholders and institutions.
She also highlighted that the organization was founded on the core values and principles of integrity, transparency, compassion, accountability and respect for human rights.
Mrs Omamegbe also used the occasion to call 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; the academia and religious leaders.
Others included the proprietor of Lux Mundi University, Umuahia, 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, Angela Agoawike; Archbishop Samuel Ocheja; AIG Charles Ugomuoh (Rtd); Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu; Chief Cletus Iwuaru, amongst others.
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