USIDHR and #OperationSaveNigerianChildren Campaign Launch Transformative Initiatives to Empower Girls and Combat Child Trafficking in Nigeria

Abuja, Nigeria – April 29, 2025 —
The United States Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights (USIDHR), a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit organization committed to advancing human rights education, economic empowerment, and humanitarian relief, has officially launched two transformative programs in Nigeria—‘Let Her Lead’ and ‘Edu for Every Child’—in collaboration with renowned Nigerian human rights advocate and Convener of the #OperationSaveNigerianChildren campaign, Comrade Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho.

This announcement was made in a press statement issued by Ambassador Ibrahim Sani Abubakar, USIDHR Country Director for Nigeria, who emphasized the urgent need to tackle child trafficking, gender-based violence, and educational inequality across the country.

According to Ambassador Abubakar, “The ‘Let Her Lead’ initiative is specifically designed to empower young women and girls by providing education on human rights, leadership development, entrepreneurship training, and early detection of trafficking risks. The goal is to equip girls with the skills and confidence needed to become resilient leaders and advocates for change within their communities.”

He further noted that “As part of the Nigerian rollout, USIDHR has awarded 20 full scholarships to young women, offering comprehensive training programs aimed at nurturing leadership and fostering economic independence. This expansion builds on the success of the ‘Let Her Lead’ program in Kenya, where USIDHR, in collaboration with the Awino Love Foundation, made significant strides in empowering girls facing similar challenges.”

“Girls and women face heightened vulnerabilities globally. Through education and empowerment, we are not just protecting lives—we are cultivating leaders who will transform their societies,” Ambassador Abubakar added.

The launch of these initiatives comes at a pivotal moment. According to UNICEF, 12 million girls are married before the age of 18 each year. Additionally, data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reveals that 68% of global human trafficking victims are women and girls. These alarming statistics highlight the critical need for targeted, community-based responses like ‘Let Her Lead.’

In parallel, the ‘Edu for Every Child’ initiative focuses on ensuring children from low-income backgrounds have access to quality education. By distributing Edu-Boxes—which include essential school supplies such as uniforms, backpacks, shoes, and stationery—USIDHR is bridging the educational divide and helping children overcome the obstacles of poverty. With an estimated 258 million children currently out of school worldwide, this initiative offers renewed hope for countless young lives.

Ambassador Abubakar also stated that the Edu for Every Child campaign has already impacted countries including Haiti, Romania, Peru, Mexico, Ukraine, and Pakistan, and that its expansion into Nigeria marks a significant milestone in USIDHR’s global mission to uplift vulnerable communities through education.

Both initiatives are powered entirely by public support. Ambassador Abubakar called on individuals, organizations, and global partners to “Donate to Educate Girls Everywhere” and “Support #EduforEveryChild” in order to sustain and expand these life-changing programs.

For more information or to contribute to these campaigns, please visit www.usidhr.org.

*About USIDHR*

The United States Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights (USIDHR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., focused on advancing human rights education, fostering economic empowerment, and delivering humanitarian assistance around the world.

*About Comrade Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho*

Comrade Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho is a leading Nigerian child rights activist and Convener of the #OperationSaveNigerianChildren campaign. He is widely recognized for his advocacy against child trafficking and institutional abuses targeting vulnerable children in Nigeria.

Contact:
United States Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights
Email: Contact Form
Website: https://usidhr.org