Five prominent Nigerian lawmakers are expected to attend the 5th African Elders and Women Intercultural Dialogue (AEWID), scheduled to take place from 30th July to 1st August 2025, in commemoration of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

The events, starting at 10 a.m. daily, will be held at the British Council Auditorium on 30th July, Silverbird Cinema Accra Mall on 31st July, and the 5th African Elders and Women Intercultural Dialogue at the Africa Trade House (AFCFTA Secretariat).

The legislators expected at the event are four other distinguished Nigerian lawmakers: Senator Kevin Chukwu, representing Enugu East Senatorial District; Hon. Chike Okafor, representing Ehime Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency; Hon. Etteh Okpolump Ikpong, representing Eket/Esit Eket/Ibeno/Onna Federal Constituency; and Hon. Chimaobi Atu, representing Enugu North and South Federal Constituencies, all in Nigeria.

Ghanaian parliamentarians like Hon. Sam George, who participated as a special guest in the maiden edition of the Dialogue eight years ago, are expected alongside the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Ghanaian Parliament, the Minister of Gender, Ghana, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Interior, Ghana.

This year’s edition of AEWID is themed “Born Free: Exploring the Economic, Cultural, Social, and Political Intricacies Sponsoring Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling in Today’s Africa.”

It aims to address the complex roots of human trafficking and smuggling, with a focus on solutions that reflect Africa’s cultural and political realities.

The event is supported by major organisations, including UNESCO Ghana, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the African Women Development Fund (AWDF), and UN Women Nigeria. High-profile offices such as the former Vice President of The Gambia and the First Lady of Sierra Leone have also played active roles in previous editions.

The Vice President of Ghana, Her Excellency Prof. Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, is expected to chair the 5th Dialogue alongside Her Excellency Mrs. Fatima Maada Bio, the First Lady of Sierra Leone, as Co-Chairperson. The Ghanaian First Lady, Mrs. Lordina Mahama, is expected as Special Guest of Honour, with Head of Mission, African Union Agenda 2063 Assembly, H.E. Amb. Gbatigbi Ben-Joel as the Keynote Speaker.

Renowned banker and economist Alh. Ibrahim Sule of Stanbic IBTC Bank in North Central Nigeria, and High Chief Mike Ejiogu, CEO of City Gate Homes—an infrastructural development expert with in-depth knowledge on curbing housing inequality—are also expected.

AEWID 2025 will gather over 400 participants from more than ten African countries, comprising diplomats, cultural experts, international development agencies, youth leaders, NGO executives, and survivors of trafficking.