The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has thrown its weight behind a mentorship initiative of the Daurama Foundation to tackle the vulnerabilities faced by women and girls, particularly those at risk of exploitation and trafficking.
The agency made the commitment at the virtual graduation of 39 beneficiaries of the Samira Buhari Mentorship Programme (SBMP), a 12-week scheme designed to build capacity in leadership, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy.
The event was themed “Empowering Africa’s Next Generation of Women Leaders.”
Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Bello, said the programme aligned with national strategies to curb vulnerabilities that expose women to abuse.
Bello, represented by NAPTIP’s Director of Counselling and Rehabilitation, Angela Agbayekhai, lamented that girls and women in the country face vulnerabilities that can echo across generations.
“What SBMP is doing—taking young women off the margins and empowering them—is timely and essential. NAPTIP stands ready to partner so this momentum translates into safer, stronger futures,” she said.
The mentorship programme provided training in leadership, entrepreneurship, public speaking, business development, and the use of digital tools.
Participants also engaged in mock interviews, one-on-one coaching, and networking sessions designed to prepare them for professional and entrepreneurial pursuits.
On her part, Buhari noted that the initiative aimed to equip participants with the confidence and skills to take on leadership roles in their communities and beyond.
She said: “This is far more than a ceremony; it is a celebration of courage and possibility. Mentorship should open doors, nurture confidence, and ignite a fire that lasts well beyond the classroom.
“When we invest in women, we transform communities, economies, and nations. Women’s voices belong at the table, at the helm, and at the heart of progress.”
She added that the foundation would continue to serve as a platform for building a network of women leaders and promoting skills development as part of broader efforts to address gender inequality and economic marginalisation.
Mercy Ajeh, a mentor who facilitated sessions on digital productivity, commended the participants for their dedication.
“These young women were eager to learn and often went beyond class activities: sharing calendars, drafting documents, and even taking minutes. The structure pushed them to meet high standards, and they rose to the challenge,” she said.
One of the graduates, Fatima Shema, reflected on how the mentorship experience had impacted her career path.
“SBMP gave me confidence and direction. The day after our mock interviews, I passed a real interview and got the job. I’ve found my voice, and I’m building a creative enterprise that creates opportunities for other women,” she said.
Participants received training in business development, public speaking, and digital tools, with top performers rewarded with cash prizes and digital devices.
