Group seeks stronger partnerships to protect vulnerable groups

• Founder of the Foundation Eucharia Onyemaobi with other dignitaries

Zaram Life Foundation has called for stronger partnerships with government at all levels, development organisations and the private sector to expand interventions aimed at protecting vulnerable groups, preventing human trafficking and promoting safe migration in communities.

The Founder and Executive Director of the Foundation, Eucharia Onyemaobi, made the call during its seventh anniversary celebration and humanitarian stakeholders’ forum in Anambra State on Monday.

The celebration was held under the theme, ‘From grassroots action to lasting impact: Building communities where everyone thrives’.

Onyemaobi said the foundation, since its establishment seven years ago, had remained committed to community development, safe migration awareness, prevention of irregular migration and human trafficking, protection of vulnerable populations, and empowerment of women and young people.

She explained that through community engagement, sensitisation, advocacy, capacity building and partnerships, the organisation had continued to promote human dignity, safety, opportunities and sustainable development, despite challenges including limited resources.

She said, “The foundation is determined to strengthen its programmes, deepen community engagement, expand its reach and adopt innovative approaches to migration communication, prevention, protection and empowerment in its next phase of development.

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“We called on government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, community leaders and the private sector to support the foundation’s efforts. Sustainable solutions to the challenges facing vulnerable communities required collective action.”

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Patrick Aghamba, who represented the Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to youth empowerment, skills acquisition and strategic partnerships with credible civil society organisations.

He said, “The Soludo’s administration is tackling youth challenges through initiatives such as the ‘1Youth2Skills Plus’ programme and the ‘Solution Innovation District’, which equip young people with multiple skills, entrepreneurial competencies and opportunities to establish businesses.

“Empowering young people with marketable and exportable skills would reduce their vulnerability to exploitation, crime, human trafficking and irregular migration.”

In their separate remarks, the Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr Law Mefor and his Women Affairs and Social Welfare counterpart, Lady Esther Onyekesi, said the Soludo’s administration had demonstrated inclusivity through employment and open policies, citing that over 40 per cent of the state’s law enforcement personnel and many civil servants are non-indigenes.

In their separate goodwill messages, the National Coordinator of CSOnetMADE (Civil Society Network on Migration and Development) Dr Emeka Obiezu and other partners commended the foundation for its efforts over the years and pledged support in the coming years.