The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has thrown its support behind a mentorship initiative designed to equip young women with leadership and entrepreneurial skills while addressing vulnerabilities that expose them to exploitation and trafficking.
The agency made the commitment during the virtual graduation of 39 beneficiaries of the Samira Buhari Mentorship Programme (SBMP), a 12-week capacity-building scheme themed “Empowering Africa’s Next Generation of Women Leaders.” The training focused on leadership, entrepreneurship, business development, digital literacy, and professional growth.
NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Bello represented by the agency’s Director of Counselling and Rehabilitation, Angela Agbayekhai described the initiative as crucial to tackling challenges faced by women and girls.
“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,” Bello said.
The mentorship programme combined classroom-style training with mock interviews, one-on-one coaching, and networking sessions, giving participants practical exposure to professional and entrepreneurial pathways.
Samira Buhari, who established the scheme, said the goal was to build a generation of women leaders who could contribute to communities and national development.
“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,” she said.
Mentors including Mercy Ajeh, who facilitated sessions on digital productivity, praised the commitment of participants. One graduate, Fatima Shema, shared how the experience helped her secure employment.
“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.
Top-performing participants were recognized with cash prizes and digital devices, reinforcing the program’s focus on skills development and entrepreneurship as pathways to economic empowerment.
