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Chief Louis Ononiwu is the Secretary General of the Nigerian Community in Cote d’Ivoire. He is also the President General of the Imo State Union Cote d’Ivoire and the Managing Director of Eco Prestige. He spoke with our correspondent in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire recently on many issues including things bothering his people back home in Nigeria. Excerpts:

*Can we meet you?
My name is Chief Louis Ononiwu, the Secretary General of the Nigerian Community in Cote d’Ivoire. I am also the President General of the Imo State Union Cote d’Ivoire.

*How did you emerge as the General Secretary?
I was voted in by Nigerians living in Cote d’Ivoire. That happened three years ago when thousands of Nigerians residing in Cote d’Ivoire converged in Ecole Regional Treichville and voted for their leaders. I was voted in as one of the candidates under the Presidency of Chief Michael Emeka Onwuchelu. Interestingly, Nigerians were enthusiastic when they saw the qualities of people that emerged as leaders. They came out enmasse and voted us in. I defeated two other candidates from the West and Middle-Belt of Nigeria respectively. They congratulated me and there was no dispute. We were all happy because everything was done in a peaceful atmosphere. It was free, fair and credible.

*What have been your contributions ever since you emerged?
If you can look around or ask people, you will see a lot of transformation in the Nigerian Community. Before we came on board, like our President, Chief Onwuchelu used to say, “If the Nigerian Community is a commodity, you wouldn’t like to buy it.” So when we came on board, we met a shattered Community, that has no workable system. So we quickly put the system in place. Secondly, we instill discipline in the governance. We also achieved a lot, in curtailing the menace of child trafficking and prostitution in Cote d’Ivoire, particularly those coming from Nigeria. It has reduced drastically. We have also done a lot to bring most of those that have been indulging in this heinous and unholy act to book and we have repatriated a lot of girls, most of them are minors, between 11 and 18 years old. And we are in a good relationship with the Nigerian Embassy. Before we took over the helms of affairs, the Community and some leaders were not agreeing with the Embassy because some of them were indulging in human trafficking. So when the Embassy tried to stop them, they started writing petitions against the Embassy but this time around, our executive members are working in harmony with them and the result is impressive.

*As the President General of the Imo Community in Cote d’Ivoire, have you been able to bring indigene on board?
Yes, I can comfortably say that I am the founding president of Imo State Union Cote d’Ivoire. Before, we have no union, some of our elders tried to have one but unfortunately it was not sustainable but I came on board with another system of leadership. I transformed the system of admission into the Union. Why it couldn’t work before was because it was individual kind of registration but this time, with my team have successfully made Imo State worth emulating. We have grown to the extent that we have attracted out of 27 local governments, we have about 24 local governments under Imo State Union today. Registration is now by local government not by individual. And in our quest to attract all Imolites residing in Cote d’Ivoire, we found out that there are some local governments that do not have enough people hence we created a platform for the to be accommodated and known as an independent group. So if your local government don’t have people, you can be admitted into the Imo State Union through the Independent group. Apart from the Nigerian Community, I can comfortably say Imo State has the largest group in Cote d’Ivoire. We are in thousands and we are doing everything possible to make it enthusiastically interesting so that everyone will love to be part of it.
Also, we don’t bury our people here anymore. Before we came on board, that was the situation, it was rampant but now, you can’t die here and be buried in Cote d’Ivoire as long as you have identified with us. You cannot be sick and you alert us and remain in the same condition. We ensure within our limit to assist so that you can get well on time.

*Talking about things done, what other programme do you have in place for your people especially like empowerment?

You know it is a gradual process, it is also part of our programme. You know when you talk about project, we have long and short terms. There are long term project that we are looking ahead to, perhaps, the successive government can also help in certain areas. For now we are doing a lot, like last year, we had what we called “Ejiri mara Imo Cultural Festival” Cultural Festival where we exhibited a lot of Nigerian cultural activities, that created temporary jobs for some of our youths and women. There is no Nigerian event that has attracted such crowd before in Cote d’Ivoire. In that event, Ejiri mara Imo Cultural Festival, which took place last November, we promoted our culture, adviced our youths to be law-abiding and ensure that they have something doing, and avoid illicit activities for quick money while promising them brighter future. We intend to do skill acquisition, trade fair, workshop, we are putting all of them into consideration.

*Is the festival an annual event?
No! We can’t do it every year, perhaps, two or three years because it is a mega event. It costs us a lot of money and time to organise. You know when you do it every year, it will be less interesting. So, people need to look forward to the next one, that is why we put it in two or three years.

*The year is fast rounding up, do you have any programme for the Union?
Naturally, we organize the End of the Year Party, every year and this year we are equally going to have that where all of us will have a get-together party and thank God for a successful year.

*Do you have a good and working relationship with the Imo State Government in Nigeria?
Absolutely we have. We have Imo State Leadership in Diaspora which I am one of them. I happened to be the Director of Media and Strategy. This coming year, precisely in January, we are going to have Imo Diaspora Summit, which the Executive Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma would be our Special Guest of Honour. So through that group, we have been relating with the State and from there we will take off and see what we can offer our State. Everybody needs to be involved that is why we are starting from the Diaspora, to relate with the government so that we can see how we can work together and also see how to tackle any challenge facing the State.

*Do you people have any special package for the indigenes, something like scholarship?
Of course, the theme of the Summit is “Imo Ga-Adi Mma,” which means Imo State must be working or be better. We are looking at helping in many areas like agriculture, agricultural equipment, seedlings to the farmers, education like that of scholarship. We are also looking at how we can help in the area of security. We are just starting.

*What message do you have for the people back in Nigeria
Yes! I will like to call on President Bola Tinubu to please release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who has been in detention for many years. Releasing him will help curb the incessant killings in Imo State and the entire eastern states in Nigeria and we are praying it doesn’t spread. The eastern states have witnessed all sorts of crises including Sit-at-home on Mondays.
President Tinubu is a father to all Nigerians, and we believe he is compassionate and has listening ears, that is why we are using this platform to beg him to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, many lives have been lost and still being lost. We believe that once he is released, the killings will stop.

Lastly, as the secretary general of the Nigerian Community in Cote d’Ivoire, I want to let you know that we have a serious challenge in our hands in Cote d’Ivoire now and it is the trafficking of teenagers between the age of 10 and 15 who are being forced into prostitution. We are calling on President Tinubu to help us curb the menace of child trafficking and prostitution in Cote d’Ivoire. The menace is becoming bigger by the day and on our own, we have rescued and repatriated more than 1,200 girls, particularly minors but more are still coming on a daily basis.
We want President Tinubu to pay a working visit to Cote d’Ivoire like the one done by former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan respectively, so as to see things for himself and also enter a bilateral agreement with the Cote d’Ivoire Government to put a stop to the menace because our names and that of our great country, which is rated as the Giant of Africa, is being rubbed in the mud.

*Thank you for your audience
It is my pleasure.

…says his release will curb incessant killings in Imo State

President General of the Imo State Union Cote d’Ivoire, Chief Louis Ononiwu has called on President Bola Tinubu to please release Nnamdi Kanu who has been in detention for many years.

He made this plea during an exclusive interview in his office in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire yesterday.

Chief Ononiwu who is the managing director of Eco Prestige said Kanu’s release will help curb the incessant killings in Imo State which have seen many lives wasted ever since he was arrested.

His words, “We are calling on President Bola Tinubu to please release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Sir, you are a father to all Nigerians, and we believe you have compassion on your children, that is why we are using this platform to beg you to have mercy upon the people of Imo State, and release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, many lives have been lost and still being lost. We believe that once he is released, the killings will stop.”

Chief Ononiwu who also doubles as the Secretary General of the Nigerian Community also want President Tinubu to help them curb the menace of child trafficking and prostitution in Cote d’Ivoire.

According to him, “The menace is becoming bigger by the day and on our own, we have rescued and repatriated more than 1,200 minors, mainly girls below the age of 13 to Nigeria but more are still coming on daily basis.

“We want President Tinubu to pay a working visit to Cote d’Ivoire like the one done by former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan respectively, so as to see things for himself and also enter a bilateral relationship with the Cote d’Ivoire Government to put a stop to the menace because our names and that of our great country is being rubbed in the mud,” he concluded.

Watch out for the exclusive interview later in the week.

Chief Michael Emeka Onwuchelu is the Chief Executive Officer, CEO/Chairman of Mike Anthonio Pieces Auto, MAPA known as Motor Spare Parts in Nigeria. He is also the current President of the Nigerian Community in Cote d’Ivoire. He spoke with some journalists from Nigeria recently on many issues. Excerpts:

What was the reason for leaving Nigeria for Cote d’ivoire?
I left Nigeria for Cote d’Ivoire in 1992 for greener pastures. I was doing my business in Nigeria, to be precise, Nnewi, Anambra State before I relocated. I learnt a trade in Nnewi town, shortly after that time, things became difficult. I couldn’t compete with those that were financially buoyant.

I had a contact then that made me want to come to this place. I actually have a friend who is also my mentor, Mr. Tony Okeke. He loves me so much and wants me to succeed. He was the one that connected me with his Ivorian customers.

Has it been better, since leaving Nigeria for this place?
Well, from the side of the business, I give God the glory. Since I set my feet here, apart from business, life has been so easy. You will enjoy the little money that you have and you will enjoy peace of mind and security is two-four-seven (24hours), guaranteed. Where I was living then, you will get into your house without locking your doors and everybody sleeps comfortably, nothing like gates there but as time goes on, things started changing but it is not like things changed from good to worst but some people were becoming smarter. Cote d’ivoire has been a country that anyone that comes, wants to stay and I am sure some of you would like to stay back if not for your jobs.

When was the last time you experienced power failure?
We don’t experience power failure here. In fact, we don’t know what is called power failure in Cote d’Ivoire. When we had power failure, was when the Ivorian government or electricity company was trying to upgrade from where they were to another level. And later they built a new power plant, since then we have not had power outage, that is about four years ago.

And it happened like two months, since then we don’t know what is called power failure. But there are some areas where there may be issues of electricity, maybe they want to do repairs but before then, they will send a message to your phone and they may also send messages across the radio stations, that, this section, they are going to carry out repairs and they will like to do it when everyone must have gone to their places of work, like 9.00am and before 4.00pm, they are through. This also applies to water repairs, before they cut water, they will send information across. This is done concurrently, sending text messages to your phone and radio, so that no one says he is not aware.

You are referred to as the president of the Nigerian Community in Cote d’Ivoire, how did you emerge?
I am the only elected President of the Nigerian community in Cote d’Ivoire. This is the first time they conducted elections to elect leaders to run the affairs of the Community.

The Nigerian community started in 1974, and the people that started it, did it with good intentions but along the line, those that took over had different agendas. They started seeing the Nigerian community as a way of exploiting Nigerians. Some of them were bringing innocent young girls here to prostitute and that trade has gone wild. In 2017, the then Ambassador Isa (may his soul rest in peace), said No! That the intention of the Nigerian community is not for human trafficking and luring our children into prostitution.

He then dissolved the Central Working Executive. He said because the population of Nigerians in Cote d’ivoire is getting bigger, there is need to have a credible person, hence the need to conduct election, so that a president will be elected democratically with its executives. Then it didn’t take long, the man passed on, so he couldn’t achieve his aim.

Then later, his successor made some frantic moves but the pressure from some individuals was so much hence she couldn’t conduct the election. And we stayed for many years without an ambassador, but then, we had a wonderful Consul by name, Damilola Olufemi Abikoye who took over from the then Consul in 2020. He then said we need to organize elections because they needed a person that will help the embassy carry out some responsibilities because the staff of the embassy might not be able to handle them and that was the reason why they came together to create the Nigerian community in the first place. The Nigerian Community has always helped the Embassy to intervene in any matter involving Nigerians who had or might be passing through some challenges. Then, Abikoye said that we needed to do what is right not minding what it will cost us. He helped to conduct the election, in collaboration with the Nigerian community, which I happened to emerge the president. I was elected on the 29th of May, 2021.

What are the major problems confronting Nigerians in Cote d’Ivoire?
The major challenge facing us here is human trafficking and prostitution amongst Nigerian teenagers. In a day, you would see about 10 to 15 persons running out of the ghetto where they were held hostage. We have rescued many of them and we still need to save the remaining ones but you know it is a business for traffickers. They have been into it for many years and to break it won’t be an easy task. Some of these girls were promised lucrative jobs, like jobs in boutiques, where they will be paid huge sum of money. They will promise them N100,000 when they convert cefa to naira and a girl that has not been getting N30,000 before, will definitely grab such an offer. So these are the ways they leave Nigeria, come here and find themselves inside the forest where they are doing mining. So this is a serious case that needs urgent intervention.

Most Nigerian government officials do come here, liaison with the Ivorian government and return. They would not go deep down to know what happened and what the real problems of Nigerians are. They will come and will not meet with the Nigerian community to know what they are facing. Honestly speaking, it is not that the problem is associated with a particular state like we had with Italy in the past, the Deltans are amongst those prostituting, the Edos are there, Benue people, the Ibos are involved. This time around, the Calabars, Kogis, Akwa-Iboms, Hausas, you will see them in batches, up till this moment. From May 2021, the Nigerian Community under my care has succeeded in repatriating about 1,200 girls back to Nigeria.

The Nigerian Embassy usually issues Laissez-Passer to the girls returning to Nigeria, we have some of their documents in our care. We started having problems during COVID and you know there were a lot of restrictions during that period. Their transportation was between N250,000 to N300,000. These are our major problems, that is why without the intervention of the federal government of Nigeria, it will be difficult for them to be resolved. The Embassy and all the Ambassadors that have been here have tried their best but their best weren’t enough to solve the problems completely. And the way they are operating now is that some of the girls are not coming on their own, but through traffickers.

What they do is that they have agents that recruit some of the girls from Nigeria, then, they do trans-loading. They would board a vehicle to Lagos, another one takes them to Cotonou, then Togo to Ghana and then to Abidjan. The government of this country has tried so much because when they come through the border, they intersect them. Most of them usually use the forest to get into the country. So, until the federal government intervenes by collaborating with us and the Cote d’Ivoire Government, we might find it difficult to tackle this issue but we believe we will triumph at the end of the day. We are using this opportunity to call on President Bola Tinubu to visit Cote d’Ivoire and probably meet with the Cote d’Ivoire because this menace is causing embarrassment for Nigerians both at home and Cote d’Ivoire.

Tje President of the Nigerian Community in Cote d’Ivoire having handshake with the Nigerian Embassy Charge d’Affaire

Reigning Miss World Tourism Nigeria, Tijani Khadijat Omowunmi said she is ready to collaborate with the Nigerian Community in Cote d’Ivoire in the fight against human trafficking and prostitution.

She made her stance known during a courtesy visit to the office of the President of the Nigerian Community in Cote d’Ivoire, Chief Michael Emeka Onwuchelu on Wednesday.

The Pageant Queen said she was excited to meet with the Nigerian Community in Cote d’Ivoire. She noted that her visit is to first of all familiarize with the Community and know the area where she can collaborate with them to project Nigeria’s image in good light.

Queen Khadijat also promised to work with them to achieve their desired goals and objectives especially in the fight against human/child trafficking and prostitution.

Her words, “As the reigning Queen, I want to see how we can work together to project our beautiful country, Nigeria and its tourism attractions to Nigerians in Diaspora who were born outside and have not been home before. It is also an avenue to project our beautiful country to non-Nigerians who might be looking for where to spend their yuletide holidays. As for the human/child trafficking and prostitution, I am ready to collaborate with you to see how we can put a stop to it because it is not projecting what our great country is all about.”

Welcoming the Pageant Queen, Chief Onwuchelu said he was happy to welcome her on behalf of the Nigerian Community in Cote d’Ivoire. While commending her for the feat achieved, he however informed her of the menace causing serious damage to the image of Nigeria and Nigerians in Cote d’Ivoire. Onwuchelu said they have been fighting hard to put an end to it.

He said, “We are happy to receive you in our midst. However, we have been on the issue of human trafficking and prostitution for a long time and we have not gotten any help from anywhere but with the office you are occupying now, you can use it to get attention of the relevant authorities in government to intervene.

Chief Onwuchelu continued, “Human trafficking and child prostitution have been existing for long not only in Cote d’Ivoire but across all the West Africa regions. We have been able to rescue and repatriate about 1,200 girls back to Nigeria and reconcile them with their families.

“We would have loved to have you during the country’s 64th Independence Day Celebration but we intend to invite for our Cultural Day where all Nigerian tribes will showcase their heritage and that would be a great time for you to project yourself to the community,” he disclosed.

Also speaking during the visit is the Proprietress of Love Foundation International School, Port Bouet, Mrs Loveth Udeogu who incidentally was a Pageant Queen. She urged the Miss Tourism Queen to use her office judiciously for the emancipation of the girl child especially those being trafficked and forced into prostitution.

Mrs Udeogu further noted, “We all are sitting on the stones carved by someone. Why don’t we come together and carve something for the younger ones?

“I am so delighted to be part of this and seeing something like this is an inspiration for our kids. Tomorrow you can host a Pageant for our kids here in Abidjan. So I am pleading with you to showcase your crown. Whenever we have school events, like the Children’s Day, you would be invited to be our Special Guest so that you can motivate our children. So do well to identify with the Nigerian Community and the president, Chief Michael Emeka Onwuchelu,” she advised.

Also on hand to receive the pageant Queen is the general secretary of the Nigerian Community in Cote d’Ivoire, Chief Louis Ononiwu and the chairman of Abobo Community, Lasisi Jimoh Alabi.

L-R: Chairman, Abobo Community, Mr. Lasisi Jimoh Alabi, President of the Nigerian Community in Cote d’Ivoire, Chief Michael Emeka Onwuchelu, Queen Khadijat Tijani and the General Secretary, Chief Louis Ononiwu

The Nigerian Pastors Association in Cote d’Ivoire (NIPACI) on Monday honoured the President of the Nigerian Community in Cote d’Ivoire, Chief Michael Emeka Onwuchelu for his outstanding feats since assumption of office.

The Banquet Dinner/Award Night which took place at the Eglise Evangeliwue Montagne de Delivrance, Marcory, was used to commemorate Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day Anniversary.

While welcoming the awardees and other invited guests, the President of the Nigerian Pastors Association, Apostle Dr. Aregbesola Olakunle said they were inspired by God to honour those who have contributed immensely to the course of Nigerians in Cote d’Ivoire.

His words, “The award is inspired by God in our hearts to give honour to who honour is due. We felt we should honour those who have contributed to the development of the Nigerian Community and have also contributed to the course of Nigerians in Cote d’Ivoire. We are giving the awards for them to continue to do more.”

Responding, the President of the Nigerian Community in Cote d’Ivoire, Chief Michael Emeka Onwuchelu appreciated NIPACI for the honour bestowed upon him and promised to continue to do more.

He however charged the Pastors to preach against the menace of human trafficking and prostitution which is causing embarrassment to Nigeria and Nigerians.

He said, “There is a menace facing Nigerians presently, it is human trafficking and prostitution. It is causing us serious embarrassment and it has to stop. Please, Pastors, preach it everywhere, to the authority until they hear and begin to do something. We cannot afford to watch our girls destroy themselves or be destroyed by some wicked elements who are perpetrating evils through human trafficking.”

Chief Onwuchelu also urged Nigerians present to always say positive things about their country. He said, “Let’s always say something good about our country. Things might not be looking good now but Nigeria still remains a great country. Once the issue of leadership is resolved, the country will bounce back. Nigeria remains great and we Nigerians at home and in Diaspora can also do well by continuously speaking good about our country.”

Meanwhile, during the event, the Pastors and all those present, prayed for the development and transformation of Nigeria. They also prayed for Nigerian Pastors, Nigerians in Diaspora; and for the peace of their host country, Cote d’Ivoire, especially as they prepare for their next election.

Some Pastors and Missionaries were also honoured during the Banquet Dinner alongside Chief Onwuchelu. The Nigerian Embassy in Cote d’Ivoire was also appreciated for their tireless efforts in ensuring that Nigerians are well catered for.

The Nigerian Community in Cote d’Ivoire celebrated Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day in a splendid and glamorous way at the Stade Champroux de Marcory on Tuesday, October 1.

About 30 schools were in attendance to make the event a memorable one. The schools mainly owned by Nigerians did a March Pass while the representative of the Nigerian Embassy, Mr Paul Obi alongside with the President of the Nigerian Community in Cote d’Ivoire, Chief Michael Emeka Onwuchelu took the salute.

The Day was packed full with different activities and funfare amongst others especially for the students who came from their various schools. After the March Pass, the schools displayed their creativity in other areas while some proved to the audience that they have not forgotten their heritage with their cultural displays.

Meanwhile, while appreciating the people that graced the occasion, Chief Onwuchelu commended the awardees for their immense contributions to the development of Nigerians in Cote d’Ivoire. He disclosed that if not for them, it would have been difficult to achieve anything in the Community while urging them to continue to do more.

The Day climaxed with 16 deserving worthy sons and daughters of Nigerian descents being honoured with awards for their commitment and contributions to the development of the Nigerian Community in Cote d’Ivoire.

They are: Oba of Abobo, Alhaji Muritala Lasisi Ogundiran; Oba of Yopougon, Alhaji Yahaya Adesina; Oba of Koumasi, Alhaji Mashood Akanfe; Oba of Port Bouet, Chief Sunday Oyedele; Alhaji Lamine Ibrahim, Seriki of Treichville, and Chief Amb. Joseph Ajah Onah.

Others are Alhaji Azeez Sabitu, Alhaji Musa Oyedele, Alhaji Semiu Adedeji, Mr. Patrick Obinna, Sir Hyacinth Ohachusim, Chief Emeka Daniel, Chief Moses Ndibe. Chief Emmanuel Asuzu, Elder John Adisa and Madam Elegunde Dorcas, the Legend of Marcory.

Some schools were also honoured. In the March Pass, Holy Child International School, A’djame emerged as first, and went home with a golden trophy while Saint Anthony International School, Treichville and Love Foundation International School, Port Bouet came second and third respectively and also got silver and bronze trophies.

For the football tournament, First Baptist Church School Adjame emerged as the winner after defeating Salawudeen Mémorial School in the final. Elijah Baptist Modèle School Adjame took the bronze after winning the third place match. They all went home with gold, silver and bronze trophies respectively. Awards were also presented to the Most Valuable Player, MVP, Highest Goal Scorer and others for their outstanding performances. Nigeria Independence Day is celebrated every 1st of October.

By Chris Onokpegu
Dorcas was teaching in one of the private primary schools in Lagos but when her aunt came from Cote d’Ivoire, saw how robust and wealthy she was, she approached her for help. Two weeks later, she sent money to Dorcas to come over to Cote d’Ivoire for a teaching job, on arrival, she was lured into prostitution.

That is the story of many Nigerian girls who are stranded in Cote d’Ivoire. Many of them were promised lucrative jobs in Cote d’Ivoire and because of the exchange rate compared to Nigerian currency, they quickly jumped at the offers without asking questions. Many of them even traveled without informing any of their relatives let alone their parents because they believe if they do, they will be discouraged.

For Patricia, her mother’s younger sister sent for her to work as a sales girl in one of her shops in Abidjan. She was given somebody’s telephone number to call. According to her, the person took her from Maza Maza bus-stop in Lagos to the boundary between Nigeria and Benin Republic (Seme Border). She was handed over to another person and they passed through villages. They dressed in hijab to enable them pass through the bush because the area is a Muslim community, from there they boarded a flying boat to La-Kwadji Border in Togo. She was handed over to another person who took her and others to Accra, Ghana before they arrived in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

When they got to Abidjan, Patricia was excited because she saw a signboard that shows that they are in the city, only for them to board another vehicle to a destination before a bike took them inside the bush. She eventually found herself in a thick forest where she saw many chalets. That very day, she was introduced to other girls prostituting.

She was shocked and asked questions why she was brought there and not where the shop is. Her aunt tried to convince her but when she refused to succumb, she was beaten up, threatened and later taken to a nearby shrine where she was given the rules and regulations guiding the trade.

According to her, she was forced to swear before the gods, that a third party must not hear about their activities. Her phone was later seized and SIM broken while the other girls who cooperated had all their contacts wiped out before they were given their phones. They do that so that they won’t be able to communicate with anybody. She and the other girls were thoroughly searched and money seized from them also so that they won’t be able to escape.

For Shade, she was taken to Mile 2 where they boarded a boat for seven hours (11am to 6pm). And when they got to Togo, they passed through the bush after the agent of the traffickers discovered that the security agencies along that route were not on duty for reasons best known to them. Fortunately for her, she was given a number to call and while she was struggling with her phone, a Nigerian in Cote d’Ivoire saw her, asked questions, and when he discovered she was going to the ghetto, where she was convinced not to go further. Luckily for her, she yielded to the advise and she is presently in a safe hand.

Just like Patricia, the same treatment was meted on Christiana who was given three sets of chains. One of the chains worn on the waist is for men to continue to have sex with her on a daily basis. The second one on her leg is for them to dominate any territory they step on and the third one on her neck is for easy identification by her madam.

She said their madam also steals their underwears (pants and bra) from time to time and takes them to the shrines for renewal of charms.

Also, their clothes are seized and exchanged with skimpy and transparent dresses. Christiana said some of them were forced to wear only bra and pants some days just to lure men easily.

Meanwhile, for those who either refuse to swear before their gods or wear the clothes given to them, they are beaten up by hefty men and ladies. They are denied food and water and given severe punishments ranging from sweeping the compound with a stick of broom to fetching water for all the other sex workers.

For Justina, who is muscular and speaks good English said she does tiling for a living. She said she was told that there was a contract job in Ghana, only to be taken to Cote d’Ivoire, Bingerville to be precise.

Justina, who is 21 years old said when she got to the ghetto, she saw small girls between the ages of 10 to 13. According to her, she was the oldest.

For 13-years old Dorcas, who escaped from the traffickers’ den said she was lured from junior secondary school (JSS3) to Abidjan without her mother knowing because she stays with her aunt. The father is late and because she is the first child, she decided to do the job to support the family.

Deborah who shed tears while narrating her story said she would have loved to be a lawyer but she doesn’t have the means to go to school and she doesn’t want her siblings to suffer the same that is why she is doing the job not because she loves sleeping with men.

Another pathetic story is that of Chioma who is married with four children. According to her story, her husband was always beating her for no reason even when she was pregnant. She said she suffered so much pain especially when she had an accident and broke one of her legs hence she was forced to run out of the house with her children to her father’s house and when the man did not see them, he married another woman.

Chioma who leaps, and as a teacher, said because of the burden on his father, she picked up a job in a school nearby and while she was working, somebody offered her a job in Cote d’Ivoire. On reaching there, she was introduced to prostitution although she initially refused but after she was starved of food and water, she joined the trade.

During one of her adventures, a man insisted on having sex with her without using a contraceptive (condom) and when she refused, she was beaten up mercilessly and pushed from the balcony. She said she was lucky to hold the rail before she came down. She disclosed that many girls died from the trade from wicked customers and they thrown into the bush or buried unceremoniously.

Meanwhile, the girls prostituting are always given targets of between two million and three million cefas, an equivalent of five to seven million naira, before they are set free. 2,000 cefas is paid for each sex. Patricia said sometimes, she makes love to more than 50 men in a day just to be able to meet up her target on time.

She disclosed that some of the girls they met there have since completed their payments but due to greed, their madam refused to set them free hence they are closely monitored to ensure that they don’t have access to money to escape. Money is paid to Madam or her agent before they have sex with men.

However, it is very difficult for some of the girls to escape because they can’t communicate in French. Moreover, the madams are working with some of the villagers in the community who are also monitoring the movement of the girls.

Some of the girls who have escaped so far said they were helped by some good Samaritans who sneaked them out in the early hour of the day and whenever they escape, they are taken to the Nigerian Embassy, who are incapacitated hence the girls are handed over to the Nigerian Community in Cote d’Ivoire for onward movement back to Nigeria.

While at the Nigerian Community in Cote d’Ivoire, they are kept in a decent accommodation and fed on a daily basis until their traveling documents are ready for repatriation to Nigeria.

As at press time, about 980 girls have so far been sent to Nigeria. Traveling to Nigeria from Abidjan costs between 35,000 and 50,000 cefas about 120,000 and 150,000 naira depending on the exchange rate and a minimum of six to 10 persons travel on weekly basis on Wednesdays and Saturdays (days of movement for Young Shall Grow Motors).

President of the Nigerian Community, Chief Michael Emeka Onwuchelu said they are overwhelmed by the continuous and uncontrollable influx of young girls into Cote d’Ivoire for prostitution.

According to him, “We are tired because the problem is coming on a daily basis. We are calling on the government to do something urgently. We are getting fed up with the menace. We have been exhausted financially. We need government backing.”

An official of the Nigerian Embassy in Cote d’Ivoire said the menace is being caused by the Nigerian government for lack of concern.

The person who spoke on anonymity for fear of victimisation said, “We saw how they tackled the trafficking in Italy but they are not showing concerns in this case. If they really want to put an end to this menace, they will. The Government of Cote d’Ivoire is tired and has threatened that they might take drastic action soon because prostitution is prohibited in their country.

“The reason why the traffickers cannot be stopped is because they are very influential hence the embassy is handicapped and can do little or nothing about it, she said.

The woman continued, “Let me inform you that people are not missing in Nigeria, most of the girls are here. They don’t tell their parents or anybody before embarking on such trips. Also, ECOWAS should as a matter of urgency review their free trade zone that gives free access for ECOWAS members nation citizens. It is causing serious trafficking of young girls.

“The Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS and National Agency For The Prohibition Of Trafficking In Persons, NAPTIP should do due-diligence and background checks on travelers especially teenagers and girl-child. The NIS should also tackle the Illegal routes traffickers are using.”

“And finally, since the Embassy’s hands are tied and the burden is on the Nigerian Community in Cote d’Ivoire, the federal government should as a matter of urgency support them with money for the project, because if they remove their hands from it, the embarrassment and loss will be too grevious for the federal government to bear including Nigerians based in Cote d’Ivoire,” she concluded.

However, the good news is that many of the girls are willing to return to Nigeria including those who ran out of the camp to seek menial jobs like washing of plates, cleaning, etc. They have found out that it is not easy in Cote d’Ivoire hence they have decided to leave at the end of this month after receiving the salaries.

Some who are actually making brisk money from prostitution also claimed that they are tired of the illegal trade and want to return and start a business of their choice.
Some of them told our correspondent that they have been passing messages to their loved ones back home not to attempt to follow anybody anywhere especially to any of the West Africa countries because they will be forced into prostitution.

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by Chris Onokpegu

The Nigerian Community in Cote d’Ivoire, also known as Communaute Nigeriane Unie en Cote d’Ivoire last Monday repatriated another set of girls to Nigeria as part of its efforts to fight human trafficking.

The girls numbering six left the shores of the country by 10.30am for Nigeria and they are expected to arrive on Tuesday by evening where they will be reconciled with their parents.

Recalled penultimate week, that a pregnant woman with an eight month old baby alongside eight other girls were repatriated to Nigeria after they were rescued from the den of the traffickers.

The total of the girls repatriated so far is 980 and still counting because traveling documents are being prepared for another set to move on Wednesday. This is definitely not an easy task especially when one considers the amount being expended on a weekly basis.

Meanwhile, President of the Nigerian Community in Cote d’Ivoire, Chief Emeka Michael Onwuchelu said they will continue to carry on with the fight against trafficking until it is eradicated completely while assuring that the perpetrators will be made to face the wrath of the law.

He however called on the federal government of Nigeria to support the fight because they are spending a lot to take care of the girls and also to take them back to Nigeria.

His words, “We feel embarrassed by the activities of the girls who were lured and forced into prostitution. We are not known for this, we are hardworking people hence we are well-respected across the world. Women like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Alakija, Ezekwesili are women who have made great impacts at the world stage and we believe we still have more Okonjo-Iwealas amongst these girls that are being forced into prostitution.”

Recalled that the transportation fare for each of the girls back to Nigeria, cost between 35,000f and 50,000f (N130,000 or N150,000) depending on the vehicle and exchange rate of cefa at the time. The Nigerian Community caters for the transport fare,. Before they travel, they are sheltered, fed on a daily basis while waiting for their traveling documents. They also buy clothes for those who escaped from the traffickers’ den without taking their baggage along.

President of the Benue State Union in Cote d’Ivoire, Chief Joseph Onah said the President of the Nigerian Community in Cote d’Ivoire, Chief Michael Emeka Onwuchelu is doing a great job to bring every Nigerian tribe together and also making the Nigerian community the best amongst the foreign communities in Cote d’Ivoire.

He stated this in an exclusive interview with Nigerian Community Website last Friday at his luxurious office in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

The man who also doubles as the Chief Executive Officer, CEO of TSW Cote d’Ivoire and the Aid-Life Group of Companies, Cote d’Ivoire said, “Onwuchelu is doing a lot, in fact, he is transforming the community in Cote d’Ivoire. He is trying to bring everybody together. He is a unifier. Just like I said earlier, I am the President of the Benue Community and he is trying to bring all of us together as one Nigeria, to see how we can fight this menace called trafficking and prostitution together and also see how we can avert other crimes in Cote d’Ivoire.

“So he is doing a lot, trying to bring everybody together. We are using this opportunity to encourage him not to give up, no matter the challenges, no matter the difficulties, we encourage him to continue to keep it up, we are solidly behind him and giving him all our supports especially as he is making frantic efforts to make the Nigerian community the best amongst the foreign communities in Cote d’Ivoire,” he said.

On Benue girls who were rescued from prostitution in Cote d’Ivoire, the Ojikpururu 1 Ny’Igede said, “I am very very disappointed to see our girls doing this because Benue people are hardworking people. Our girls are not known for prostitution. Everybody is looking for greener pasture and when you ask these girls, you will discover that they were not told from Nigeria that they are bringing them for prostitution.

“They are told that there are better jobs that they will be well paid. They deceive them and because they are looking for greener pastures, they follow them here and unfortunately, when they are here, they seize their phones hence they cannot communicate with their family members and relatives; only to be taken to the ghetto (brothel), so those are some of the issues and we are very disappointed,” he noted.

He however advised parents against allowing their children to accept any offer but rather educate them while also calling on government to prosecute those behind the trafficking of innocent children for prostitution. “My message to our parents back home is to educate their children that before anybody deceive them or send them to anywhere, they should be able to get information of such person who is coming to tell them that they have job opportunities for their children.”

Chief Onah continued, “If they are able to get information about the person that is volunteering to help, or give them job out there, that would be nice but if they can’t get in touch with their girls within one month, after traveling, then they can report the person to the police or other relevant authorities.”

“People that are involved in criminality, recruiting our girls and taking them out for prostitution are committing grievous crime and government must do something urgently to arrest and prosecute them, by ensuring that they face the wrath of the law,” he noted.

On what to do to reduce or probably put an end to the menace Chief Onah said, “The first thing is to tighten our border between Nigeria and Benin Republic, which is the Seme-border. And if the Nigerian and Benin Republic securities are able to collaborate, I believe they will be able to curtail this menace because you discover that these children are passing through the Seme-border by land or sea; and if they can also collaborate with the Cote d’Ivoire government, I believe they will be able to tackle the menace.

He concluded by saying, “If those children are found, they should not just repatriate them back to Nigeria but try to investigate using those rescued to track the cartel. The people that are involved in this criminal act, recruiting the girls, forcing them into prostitution are committing grievous crime hence government should do something urgently about it by ensuring that they face the wrath of the law,” he concluded.

Watch out for the full interview tomorrow

The Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Community in Cote d’Ivoire, Chief Davidson Ogbu has charged the Nigerian government especially its agencies to live up to their responsibility in the fight against human trafficking and prostitution.

He made this call in an exclusive interview with the Nigerian Community Media Team last Friday in his magnificent home in Abidjan.

The man who also doubles as the President of the Delta State Union in Cote d’Ivoire and who is very passionate about Nigerian affairs said one of the contributing factors to human trafficking is lack of education and enlightenment on the parts of the youths and their parents.

His words, “There are a lot Nigerian government can do, it is about policies. Where are these girls being trafficked passing? They are definitely passing through our borders. We have Nigeria Customs Service, we have Nigeria Immigration Service, and others, that is one. Then two, education. There is need for proper education amongst the youth especially the young girls and also their parents.”

Chief Ogbu also charged the federal government to make life easier for Nigerians back home as the economic is biting hard on them which is indirectly putting pressure on Nigerians in diaspora while also urging them to come up with solutions that will help to alleviate the suffering of the people.

He said, “The federal government also needs to make life easier for Nigerians, let’s tell ourselves the truth. Americans are not coming to Nigeria to prostitute neither are other countries coming to Nigeria to prostitute. It is we Nigerians that are going to other countries. So there is need for us to find home-grown solution. Our government needs to be up and doing.

Lastly, the Delta State-Born Businessman urged the federal government to take stringent measures to punish traffickers so that they can be deterred from the business while also calling on other government agencies to collaborate to make the fight a success. “If people see that traffickers are being prosecuted, a lot of people will be scared to get into that kind of business.

“The bulk falls on the federal government; they have to enact a law that will go a long way to curtail these human trafficking activities. They should ensure that people are being jailed. For instance, if a person traffics a child and goes to prison for 20 years, people will be deterred from such business. All the government agencies – NAPTIP, Nigerians in Diaspora, Nigeria Immigration, and others at the borders should collaborate to make sure that this menace is reduced to the barest minimum,” he concluded.