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Women in Tech Take Center Stage at Lagos Innovation Summit


 

By Prosper Mene, April 5, 2025

The Lagos Innovation Summit transformed into a celebration of female ingenuity today as Nigerian women in tech dazzled attendees with cutting-edge solutions, challenging the male-dominated landscape of the country’s burgeoning startup ecosystem. Held at the sleek Eko Convention Centre, the event drew over 1,000 participants—investors, policymakers, and tech enthusiasts—who witnessed a powerful push to bridge the gender gap in an industry where women have long been sidelined.

The star of the day was 29-year-old Chidinma Okeke, a software developer from Enugu, whose app “FarmLink” earned her the coveted “Innovator of the Year” award. The platform, launched just 18 months ago, connects rural farmers—over 70% of whom are women—to urban buyers, cutting out exploitative middlemen and boosting incomes. “I built this for the women who feed us, who deserve more than they’ve been given,” Okeke told a packed audience, her words met with roaring applause. By linking small-scale producers to Lagos’ sprawling markets, FarmLink has already lifted profits for hundreds of farmers, proving tech can be a lifeline for Nigeria’s agricultural backbone.

Other standout innovators included Aisha Bello, whose AI-driven telemedicine platform is expanding healthcare access in northern villages, and Funmi Adeyemi, who unveiled a blockchain-based microloan system tailored for female entrepreneurs. Their presentations underscored a broader theme: Nigerian women are not just joining the tech revolution—they’re steering it toward solutions that uplift their communities.

The summit, now in its fifth year, has never seen such a strong female presence, with women making up nearly half of the 50 showcased startups—a stark contrast to the 15% representation reported in Nigeria’s tech sector by recent industry surveys. Organizers credited deliberate outreach, including mentorship programs and grants from partners like the Tony Elumelu Foundation, for the shift. “This is a milestone,” said summit director Tolu Adesina. “These women are breaking ceilings and rewriting the narrative.”

Yet, challenges persist. Okeke and her peers spoke candidly about securing funding in a venture capital scene where less than 5% of investments go to female-led startups, according to 2024 data. “We’re proving our worth, but the system still doubts us,” she said, a sentiment echoed in X posts praising the summit while lamenting the broader gender bias in tech financing.

Government officials, including Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology Olatunbosun Alake, pledged support, hinting at a forthcoming “Women in Tech Fund” to be unveiled later this year. For now, the summit’s energy—fueled by Okeke’s win and the buzz of innovation—left attendees optimistic. “We’re not here to participate in the future,” Okeke declared in her closing remarks. “We’re here to build it.”

 

 

 

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Middle-Class Women Push Through Nigeria’s Economic Tightrope in 2025.

By Prosper Mene, April 4, 2025  

Amaka Okoli, a 34-year-old mother of two, used to type numbers in a Lagos bank. Today, she maneuvers a 16-seater bus through the city’s chaotic streets, a job she took up last year to keep her family afloat. “The bank salary couldn’t match the rising cost of everything,” she says, wiping sweat from her brow. “Driving pays better now.”

Okoli is one of countless middle-class Nigerian women redefining survival in an economy that grew 3.4% in 2024—its fastest pace in three years, but still feels like a squeeze for many. While the Bola Tinubu administration touts GDP gains driven by services and reforms like ending the petrol subsidy, the reality for women like Okoli is a daily grind of rising costs, stagnant wages, and shrinking opportunities.

For Nigeria’s middle class, loosely defined as households earning between ₦150,000 and ₦500,000 monthly—2025 has brought both resilience and reckoning. Women, often the backbone of these families, are adapting in remarkable ways. The Ladies on Wheels Association of Nigeria, a network of female commercial drivers, has swelled from six members in 2018 to over 5,000 today, spurred by economic necessity and a rejection of traditional roles. “We’re not waiting for handouts,” says Fatima Yusuf, the group’s coordinator. “We’re taking the wheel—literally.”

Yet, the numbers tell a tougher story. Food inflation, though slightly eased from its 2023 peak, hovers above 30%, devouring household budgets. The World Bank’s recent $1.08 billion loan, approved this week, promises to bolster education and nutrition, but only 15% of employed Nigerians—mostly men—work in the formal sector. Women, who dominate the informal economy (over 95% according to UN Women), see little direct relief. “I sell clothes online now,” says Chidinma Eze, a former teacher turned entrepreneur. “School paid ₦80,000 a month. I make triple that, but every profit goes to food and fuel.”

The naira’s float, a hallmark of Tinubu’s 2023 reforms, has stabilized somewhat, but exchange rates remain punishing for importers like Aisha Bello, a fabric trader in Kano. “Dollar costs mean I’ve lost customers,” she laments. “Middle-class women used to buy my lace for weddings. Now, they patch old dresses.”

This is the current situation of middle class women in Nigeria’s economic turmoil.

 

 

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EmpowermentNewsUncategorizedWomen EmpowermentWomen in Nigeria

New Initiative to Empower 48,000 Women in Nigeria’s Katsina State Amid Economic and Security Challenges.

By Prosper Mene

A beacon of hope emerged for women in northern Nigeria today as the Women Initiative for Northern Nigeria Development unveiled an ambitious plan to support 48,000 women across 16 local government areas in Katsina State. The initiative, announced on April 3, 2025, aims to bolster economic opportunities in a region long hampered by insecurity and scarce resources, offering a lifeline to women seeking financial independence.

The program targets some of Katsina’s most underserved communities, where banditry, poverty, and limited infrastructure have disproportionately affected women’s livelihoods. By providing training, resources, and access to markets, the initiative seeks to bridge the economic gap that has left many women in the region struggling to support their families. Specific details on funding and implementation timelines are yet to be fully disclosed, but organizers say the effort will prioritize sustainable growth.

The move aligns with broader national commitments to uplift Nigerian women, syncing pledges made by President Bola Tinubu and other leaders during last month’s International Women’s Day events. In March, Tinubu emphasized dismantling systemic barriers and expanding women’s access to finance and governance roles, a vision this initiative aims to put into action. Katsina, a state in Nigeria’s northwest, has been a focal point for such efforts, given its high rates of poverty and gender disparity.

Local women’s advocates have welcomed the announcement, though some caution that success hinges on addressing the region’s security challenges. “Economic empowerment is vital, but it’s hard to thrive when you’re living in fear,” said Amina Yusuf, a community leader in Katsina. “This must go hand in hand with peace.”

The Women Initiative for Northern Nigeria Development’s plan marks a significant step toward gender equity in a region where opportunities for women have historically been limited. As the program rolls out, all eyes will be on Katsina to see if it can deliver on its promise of transformation amid the area’s complex realities.

 

 

 

 

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NewsPoliticsTrendingUncategorizedWomen in politics

INEC Rejects Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

By Prosper Mene 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially rejected a petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, citing its failure to meet constitutional requirements.

 

In a statement released on Thursday, INEC disclosed that the petition, submitted by some constituents of Kogi Central, did not satisfy Section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

This section mandates that a recall petition must be supported by signatures from more than half of the registered voters in the constituency. With Kogi Central having 474,554 registered voters, the petition required at least 237,278 valid signatures to proceed. However, after a thorough verification process, INEC confirmed only 208,132 signatures, equating to 43.86%—falling short by 29,146 signatures.

“The petition for the recall of the Senator representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution. Therefore, no further action shall be taken on the matter,” INEC stated via its official X account, @INECNigeria.

The recall effort stemmed from controversy surrounding Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended from the Senate on March 6, 2025, for alleged “gross misconduct” following a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Some constituents, citing her suspension and dissatisfaction with her conduct, initiated the recall process, submitting the petition to INEC on March 24. The commission had initially acknowledged receipt of the petition, accompanied by six bags of documents purportedly containing over 250,000 signatures.

Despite the petitioners’ claims, INEC’s verification revealed discrepancies, including the cancellation of approximately 35,000 signatures during the administrative review. The constituents, led by spokesperson Salihu Habib, expressed frustration but vowed to persist, asserting that the validated 43.86% still reflected widespread discontent with the senator. “We will liaise with INEC within the full ambit of the constitution to demand transparency,” Habib said in a statement, hinting at potential further action.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, celebrated the decision as a victory for democracy. In a post on Social Media, she praised INEC, stating, “INEC Nigeria, you did well. Senator Natasha H Akpoti Uduaghan Proudly Kogi Central.” In a subsequent statement, she took a swipe at her detractors, including former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, claiming, “God has put to shame anti-democratic forces plotting my recall, including one of the most wanted persons by the EFCC.”

INEC emphasized that the review adhered to its 2024 Regulations and Guidelines for Recall, ensuring fairness and due process. Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, defended the commission’s impartiality on Channels Television’s Politics Today, dismissing allegations of bias. “The petitioners failed to meet legal requirements. There’s no partisanship here,” he said.

The rejection marks the end of this recall attempt, though questions linger about whether the process could be reinitiated. Oyekanmi noted that the law does not explicitly limit repeat petitions, leaving room for speculation about future political maneuvers in Kogi Central.

 

 

 

 

 

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Nigerian Women Rally for Gender Equality Amid Tariff Concerns.

By Prosper Mene

As Nigeria goes through a shifting economic landscape with the looming implementation of new U.S. tariffs set to begin on April 5, women across the country are raising their voices to ensure their perspectives are not sidelined. Today, a coalition of women’s rights organizations gathered in Abuja to demand greater inclusion in economic policy discussions, highlighting how trade changes could disproportionately affect women-led businesses and households.

The rally, organized by groups such as Women Advocates for Economic Justice (WAEJ) and TechHerNG, comes just days before the U.S. is expected to impose a 10% tariff on Nigerian exports, with a specific 14% rate targeting Nigeria, according to recent reports. These tariffs, part of President Donald Trump’s trade policy, are anticipated to impact key sectors like agriculture and textiles—industries where women play a significant role as producers and entrepreneurs.

“We cannot afford to be silent when decisions that affect our livelihoods are being made,” said Amina Yusuf, a spokesperson for WAEJ. “Women make up a large portion of Nigeria’s informal economy, and these tariffs could push many families deeper into poverty. We need a seat at the table.”

The demonstration saw hundreds of women march peacefully through the capital, carrying placards with messages like “Protect Women’s Work” and “Equality in Trade.” Participants called on the Nigerian government to prioritize gender-sensitive policies as it prepares to send a delegation to Washington to negotiate against the trade measures, as announced by Lesotho’s Trade Minister earlier this week in a similar context.

Economic analysts suggest that the tariffs could exacerbate existing challenges for Nigerian women, who already face limited access to credit, land ownership, and political representation. With Nigeria ranked 179th globally for women’s representation in parliament, according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, advocates argue that the lack of female voices in decision-making amplifies these vulnerabilities.

The rally also spotlighted the resilience of Nigerian women amid adversity. Folake Adebayo, a textile trader from Lagos, shared her story: “I employ 15 women to weave and sell fabrics. If these tariffs raise costs or cut our exports, we’ll struggle to survive. The government must listen to us.”

In response, the Ministry of Women Affairs issued a statement acknowledging the concerns and promising to collaborate with trade officials to address gender impacts. However, activists remain skeptical, pointing to past unfulfilled commitments, including President Bola Tinubu’s unmet pledge to ensure 35% female representation in his cabinet.

As the April 5 deadline approaches, today’s rally is set on a broader call for empowerment and equity.

 

 

 

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Pregnant Woman’s Death in Lagos Hospital Sparks Anger Over High Fees.

By Prosper Mene 

A pregnant woman named Kemi died in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, after a private hospital reportedly refused to treat her because her family couldn’t pay a ₦500,000 deposit. The tragic story, first shared by Kemi’s husband, Akinbobola Folajimi, in February, went viral on April 2, 2025, after @Drweloveu posted about it on X, leading to widespread anger.

Folajimi said Kemi was in labor and needed urgent care, but the hospital demanded ₦500,000 upfront. Unable to pay, they were sent to a general hospital in Epe, but Kemi passed away on the way. A video shows Folajimi begging Kemi to stay awake, saying, “Kemi, look at me. Stay strong for our kids.” Official reports confirm the hospital’s deposit policy, though the full details of Kemi’s death are still being investigated, according to Tribune Online.

This incident has upset many people because Nigeria already has a high rate of maternal deaths, over 800 per 100,000 births, according to health data. Many women die from issues like bleeding or infections that can be treated if care is given on time. Users across social media platforms, have few opinions on how to avoid issues like this through insurance, users like @Ne0_0fficiall

said health insurance could have saved Kemi. “I used my insurance in Lagos and paid nothing for treatment,” they wrote. @Oyshia_oy

added that ₦54,750 can cover a pregnant woman for two years with insurance.

The story shows big problems in Nigeria’s healthcare system. Many hospitals lack enough staff or equipment, and a 2019 study showed that some healthcare workers aren’t well-trained for emergencies like Kemi’s. The government has a health insurance program to help, but many people don’t use it because they don’t know about it or it’s not working well.

People on X are calling for change. @Oluwamidunsin suggested pregnant women register at government hospitals for cheaper care. @Drpenking, a doctor, shared how he once paid for a patient’s treatment but wasn’t paid back, explaining why some hospitals ask for money first. @Drweloveu’s group, Love for Health, is asking for donations to help others in need, sharing a Zenith Bank account (1229255323).

Kemi’s death has made many Nigerians demand better healthcare so no more mothers die because they can’t pay hospital fees.

 

 

 

 

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Nigerian Women Rewrite the Rules of Travel and Adventure.

By Prosper Mene 

In today’s world where travel can be daunting for those holding Nigeria’s often-stigmatized passport, two Nigerian women are boldly redefining what’s possible. Through media innovation and fearless exploration, Pelumi Nubi and Omolewa Adesuyi

 

 

Pelumi Nubi, a Lagos-based travel influencer, launched her much-anticipated YouTube travel show this week, offering an unfiltered look at solo travel across Africa. Her journey is no small feat: Nigeria’s passport ranks among the world’s least powerful, granting visa-free access to just 45 countries, according to the 2025 Henley Passport Index. Add to that safety concerns tied to regional instability, and the odds seem stacked against her. Yet, Nubi’s mission is clear. “I want to show people, especially those with the Nigerian passport, that traveling is possible,” she said in an interview with The Guardian. Her debut episode, featuring a trek through Ghana’s bustling markets and Senegal’s coastal villages, has already garnered thousands of views, striking a chord with young Nigerians eager to see their continent through her lens. Nubi’s work blends practical tips, like navigating visa rejections, with a celebration of African culture, making her a beacon for aspiring travelers.

On a parallel path, Omolewa Adesuyi is rewriting the script for adventure. The 29-year-old motorbike enthusiast embarked last month on an ambitious ride from Nigeria to South Africa, a 12,000-kilometer journey through diverse terrains and border checkpoints. Documenting her trip on Instagram and TikTok, Adesuyi has captivated followers with footage of dusty savannahs, roadside encounters, and her own grit in the face of mechanical breakdowns and cultural curiosity. “People see a woman on a bike and assume I’m lost or crazy,” she posted recently, laughing off the skepticism. Her ride isn’t just about mileage—it’s a statement against gender norms in a country where women are rarely seen in such rugged pursuits. By amplifying her story on global platforms, Adesuyi is showcasing the tenacity of Nigerian women to an audience far beyond Africa’s borders.

Both women are part of a broad wave of Nigerian female trailblazers gaining traction in 2025. Their efforts come at a time when Nigeria’s travel industry is grappling with economic hurdles—high airfares and a weakened naira—yet their ingenuity shines through. Nubi’s show, funded through crowdfunding and small sponsorships, sidesteps traditional media gatekeepers, while Adesuyi’s self-reliant journey relies on her savings and a growing online fanbase. Together, they’re proving that limitations can fuel creativity.

Their stories resonates beyond personal triumph. For many Nigerian women, who face societal expectations to prioritize family over ambition, Nubi and Adesuyi offer a powerful counter-narrative.

 

 

 

 

 

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Nigeria’s First Lady Launches “Free to Shine” Campaign to Combat HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis in South-South Region.

By Prosper Mene 

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, officially launched the “Free to Shine Triple Elimination Campaign” in the South-South region, a bold initiative aimed at eradicating HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis. The launch event, held in Port Harcourt, drew health officials, community leaders, and women’s groups, signaling a unified push to address a health crisis that disproportionately affects women and children.

 

Oluremi Tinubu highlighted alarming statistics during her keynote address, noting that young women aged 20–24 are three times more likely to live with HIV than men in the same age group. “This is not just a health issue; it’s a matter of equity and survival for our women and future generations,” she said. She pointed to systemic challenges, including limited access to education, testing, and treatment, as key drivers of the disparity. The First Lady also cited data showing that mother-to-child transmission remains a significant concern, with syphilis and hepatitis adding to the burden on Nigeria’s healthcare system.

The “Free to Shine” campaign, a collaboration between the Office of the First Lady, the Ministry of Health, and international partners, seeks to eliminate these diseases through a multi-pronged approach. It includes free screening programs, distribution of antiviral medications, and community-based education drives targeting rural and underserved areas. Mobile health units will be deployed across the six states of the South-South region—Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, and Delta—to reach at-risk populations. Tinubu announced that over 50,000 women and children are expected to benefit from the initial phase, with plans to scale up nationwide by 2026.

Health Minister Dr. Ali Pate, who attended the launch, praised the initiative as a critical step toward achieving Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Goals. “Eliminating these diseases will reduce maternal mortality and improve child health outcomes,” he said, noting that the campaign aligns with the government’s renewed focus on primary healthcare. Local health workers, including nurses and midwives, will be trained to administer tests and counsel patients, ensuring sustainability beyond the campaign’s rollout.

Community response has been overwhelmingly positive, though challenges remain. Patience Okon, a women’s advocate from Akwa Ibom, welcomed the focus on young women but urged the government to address stigma, which often prevents people from seeking help. “Many fear being judged or ostracized,” she said. “Awareness must go hand-in-hand with acceptance.”

Tinubu closed the event with a call to action, urging families, religious leaders, and traditional rulers to support the campaign. “Together, we can build a healthier Nigeria where our women and children are free to shine,” she declared, citing the initiative’s slogan. The First Lady is expected to tour other regions in the coming months to expand the program’s reach, with updates to be provided as implementation programs.

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We Live in Fear”: Women in Southern Nigeria Speak Out After Mob Violence Claims 16 Lives

By Prosper Mene

The smell of burning tires still lingers in the air of Uromi, a town in southern Nigeria’s Edo State, where a mob brutally killed 16 suspected kidnappers last week. For the women of this community, the horrific incident—where victims were beaten and some set ablaze—is not just a headline; it’s a stark reminder of the insecurity that shadows their daily lives.

“We heard the screams that night,” said Blessing Osagie, a 32-year-old mother of three who lives near the site of the attack. “I locked my doors and held my children close, praying it wouldn’t come to us. But the truth is, we’re never safe—not from kidnappers, not from mobs, not from anything.” Her voice trembled as she recounted the chaos that erupted after local security found weapons in a truck, sparking the deadly vigilante response.

The victims, reportedly northern Hausa hunters, were accused of being kidnappers, a charge that fueled the mob’s rage. While the incident wasn’t specifically about women, it amplifies a broader crisis that women in southern Nigeria say leaves them uniquely vulnerable. Kidnapping for ransom has surged in recent years, with women and girls often targeted for abduction, sexual violence, or forced labor. Yet, the rise of mob justice, as seen in Uromi, adds another layer of terror.

“Men might join the mob or fight back, but what can we do?” asked Chioma Eze, a 45-year-old trader in Uromi’s bustling market. “If kidnappers come, we’re the ones they take. If a mob forms, we’re the ones hiding, afraid of being caught in the crossfire or accused of something we didn’t do.” Eze pointed to the growing distrust in police and government, which she says pushes communities to take matters into their own hands—often with devastating consequences.

Amnesty International reports that at least 13 women have been victims of mob violence in Nigeria over the past decade, often accused of witchcraft or petty crimes in southern regions like Edo. For women like Eze, the Uromi killings are a grim echo of this trend. “They say it’s justice, but it’s just more violence,” she said. “And it’s us—women, mothers, daughters—who pay the price when everything falls apart.”

The Edo State government has condemned the killings, with Governor Monday Okpebholo vowing to prosecute those responsible. Four arrests have been made, but for women here, official promises ring hollow. “The police can’t stop kidnappers, and they can’t stop mobs,” said Fatima Yusuf, a 28-year-old nurse. “We’re left to fend for ourselves, but how? I can’t sleep at night, wondering if my clinic will be next—or if I’ll be dragged out for helping the wrong person.”

The incident has reignited calls from women’s groups for better security and an end to vigilante justice. “We need protection, not more bloodshed,” said Mercy Igbinosa, a local activist with the South-South Women’s Network. “Women are raising families in this chaos, and we’re tired of being collateral damage. The government must act—more police, more patrols, more trust—so we don’t have to live like this.”

For the women of southern Nigeria, the mob’s actions last week were not a solution but a symptom of a deeper wound. “We want peace,” Osagie whispered, clutching her youngest child. “But peace feels so far away when every day is a fight to survive.”

 

 

 

 

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Trapped in Iraq: Nigerian Women’s Desperate Plea for Rescue.

 

By Prosper Mene 

A growing crisis has emerged as Nigerian women, lured to Iraq with promises of well-paying domestic jobs, find themselves ensnared in what activists are calling “modern slavery.” Reports of severe abuse, exploitation, and desperate cries for rescue have sparked outrage and calls for urgent action from both Nigerian and Iraqi authorities.

These women, often from rural communities with limited resources, are targeted by recruiters promising a better life abroad. However, upon arrival in cities like Baghdad and Basra, their dreams shatter. Survivors recount harrowing experiences of 20-hour workdays, physical and sexual violence, and confiscated passports under Iraq’s controversial “kafala” system, which ties workers’ legal status to their employers.

 

One survivor, Agnes, a 27-year-old from Nigeria, shared her ordeal from a hostel in Basra: “I just want to go home and treat myself, but I can’t. The pain won’t stop.” Agnes alleges she was raped at gunpoint by her employer, forced into a traumatic abortion, and left with debilitating injuries, yet her recruitment agency refuses to release her from a two-year contract.

Damilola Adekola, co-founder of Hopes Haven Foundation, a Nigerian NGO tracking these cases, described the situation as dire. “It’s a form of modern slavery,” Adekola said. “These women are told, ‘We’ve bought you, so you have to work.’ There’s no medical care, no rest—just obscene hours and constant threats.” The foundation has been inundated with pleas for help, but rescuing these women is complicated by their isolation and lack of documentation, leaving them unable to pinpoint their locations for authorities.

The issue gained traction late last year when stories of survivors like Agnes and Eniola surfaced, prompting investigations by Nigeria’s National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). Since May 2023, NAPTIP has flagged exploitative recruitment drives to Iraq, identifying rogue agents now under scrutiny. Yet, activists argue that both Nigerian and Iraqi governments have been slow to act. “There’s no system to monitor these women,” Adekola noted. “If employers knew the Nigerian government was watching, they might think twice.”

Social media has amplified the crisis, with one high-profile case in early 2025 igniting public fury and pressuring authorities. Despite assurances from Iraq’s interior ministry to investigate, and a rare success in securing the return of Odunayo Eniola Isaac on January 3, 2025, many remain trapped. The International Organization for Migration estimates over 221,000 people in Iraq endure slavery-like conditions, with Nigerian women among the most vulnerable.

Advocates urge immediate intervention. “These are our sisters, our daughters,” said Adekola. “Every day they stay trapped is a day too long.” For Agnes and countless others, the plea is simply saying bring us home.

 

 

 

 

 

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