Three sisters from the Nigerian Region attended a two-day international youth gathering in Tamale, Ghana in late April. There were about 76 people represented, from Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Benin, the DR Congo, Cameroon, Gabon and the USA. Our sisters traveled three days by bus to get there.
On the 23rd April, Srs Helen Eluagu, Maryann Emealo and Justina Nelson travelled to Ghana by road with some youths from Nigeria, Catholic Women Organisation representatives from the Archdiocese of Lagos, Justice Development and peace representatives, two RSC friends and other religious from COSUDO(Commitee for the Support of the Dignity of Women) and some Holy Child Sisters. The Zonal Cordinator of NAPTIP (National Agency Prohibiting Trafficking in Persons and other Related Matters) also accompanied us. It was an adventurous journey. We boarded Cross Country coach from Lagos at about 7am and arrived in Benin Republic, a boarder country with Nigeria where a Sister from Central African Republic working in Cameroon joined us. Mr and Mrs Olarinde, a Nigerian couple residing in Benin Republic also joined us. They were accompanied by a survivor of human trafficking whom they had rescued and rehabilitated. They shared their good works with us during the gathering at Tamale. They are a great and fearless couple, putting the love of God and compassion for human suffering first before their comfort and security. This is what we learnt about them at Tamale but as they boarded the vehicle, they were unassuming couple, simple and humble. I will give a summary of their sharing below.
Three Religious Sister and a young man joined us when we arrived in Togo. The journey was tough due bad road and boarder checks. It was not easy at all. There are some places, we were not allowed to come out of the bus as the driver went out to meet with the officers either immigration, custom, police or drug enforcement officials. This happened at every border country. We eventually arrived in Accra at about 2am on the 24th to the warm welcome of the Holy Child Sisters. Their hospitality was great, they took us to the different places in which we were to sleep untill day break. Some of us were accomodated at the Holy Child Convent, some at the St Louis Convent while others wre lodged at the Guest House.
We left Accra on the 24th at about 7am and arrived Tamale at 8pm and were welcome by Mr Simon and a young woman, Mrs Rita Aaondee, whom participated at UNANIMA seminar in New York. They are youths and lovely people.
The gathering was very interesting. Sr. Michelle of UNANIMA gave us the introduction and activities of UNANIMA after Sr Cecilia Nyan HCJ had welcomed us to Tamale. Mr Joseph Famakin the Zonal Cordinator of NAPTIP – National Agency prohibiting Trafficking in Persons and other related matters – from Nigeria gave an interesting and informative talk on issues of Trafficking in Persons.
Another interesting sharing was from Mr and Mrs Olarinde who joined us from Benin Republic which I mentioned above. Mrs Olarinde took a risk and rescued a young Nigerian girl trafficked to Benin Republic without knowing the consequences of what she was doing. It took what could be called ‘Divine Intervention’ to rescue her from the traffickers when they captured her in the hotel where she went preaching to the prostitutes. The traffickers threats did not deter this woman. She and her husband are now involved with counselling, rescuing and rehabilitating those willing to come out but they have to pay the debt owed. Most of her friends and some Churches are now supporting Mrs Olarinde after seeing her good works. They are great couple. Some survivors also shared their experiences and advised the youths not to fall prey to the traffickers but be content with what they have.
The climax of the meeting was the rally round the street of Tamale. We wore our T-Shirts and caps and were accompanied by some bands and we danced to the tune of the music. It was a very enriching experience. We were happy to be part of that gathering in Tamale. We had our own plan of action which we did there in order to carry on to our various countries. We are very grateful to Sr. Rosaleen Desmond who gave us approval and support which enabled us to participate in the seminar at Tamale in Ghana.
For photos click HERE.
