Research by the Association of Benin City Girls calls for better protection for victims

More than 500 Nigerian girls and women have been killed in Italy in the recent years. They were all victims of human trafficking and forced prostitution, a new research has revealed.

The research carried out by the Association of Benin City Girls, was financed by the Government’s Equal Opportunities Department.

Three Nigerian former victims of human trafficking and forced prostitution conducted the research, headed by Ms. Isoke Aikpitanyi, the founder and spokesperson of the Association of Benin City Girls, the only association of victims and former victims of human trafficking in Italy.

They interviewed more than a thousand new Nigerian victims of human trafficking in Italy.

One of the key findings of the research is that the number of Nigerian girls and women forced into prostitution in Italy continues to grow day by day, but very few manage to find a way out.

Most of the victims are minor children, and they are usually brought to the country upon an agreement to repay a loan which keeps on growing in order to force them into prostitution for a much longer period.

The average amount each victim must pay for her freedom is 80,000 Euros. This in fact forces them to work every day, whether they are sick, have their periods, are pregnant, etc. Whether it’s hot or cold, the girls and women must go out to look for clients.

The research underlines the fact that prostitution is a very complex issue and warns against the common belief that most prostitutes freely decided to become prostitutes.

Even though many of them easily claim that they chose to become prostitutes and enjoy doing it, in reality this is just a mask they’ve learnt to put on to hide the fact that they are convinced there is no way out.
While there may be people who willingly decide to become prostitutes, this research however, shows that none of the victims interviewed chose to become a prostitute.

The research reveals that there are at least 10,000 female pimps (maman) in Italy managing human trafficking and girls and women forced into prostitution.

The exploiters usually hijack children of their victims so as to blackmail them and force them not to rebel. At least 50% of the victims have performed clandestine abortions, the research shows.

All the Nigerian girls who are victims of human trafficking and forced prostitution in Italy are managed by the Nigerian mafia, the research shows. It also reveals that human trafficking and forced prostitution are just two of the many activities carried out by the Nigerian mafia in the country, which Isoke describes as “one of the most dangerous in the world.” She adds that the Nigerian mafia is specialized in human trafficking especially of women and girls for forced prostitution, men for forced labour, organs, drugs, and arms.

The survey also reveals that social assistants find it very difficult to approach victims of human trafficking because they live in isolation and underground. This makes it difficult to help the victims find their way out.

Even though the Government has banned street prostitution, the research shows that there are still some Nigerian girls and women working on the streets. There is an increasing tendency of transporting them from one area to another, depending on where there is a high concentration of clients and less inspection by the police.

It emerges that the public opinion is not informed of the dramatic situations in the Identification and Expulsion Centres where irregular immigrants are taken before being deported from Italy.
The research also shows that deportation of girls forced into prostitution is not a solution at all to their problem.

Even after deportation, the girls are still under the control of their exploiters who do arrange for them to go to new destinations for the same work, or be marginalized if not killed.

A truly worrying finding of this research is that many Nigerian churches and associations in Italy are accomplices of traffickers. The research reveals that some of them actively collaborate with human traffickers while others are aware of their activities but avoid doing something for fear.

The role of former clients in saving victims of forced prostitution also emerges from this research. Most of the prostitutes and victims of human trafficking who escaped from traffickers were assisted by a client or a former client. This is why the research calls for a campaign to inform the clients of the important role they can play in saving the victims of forced prostitution.

The former victims of trafficking should be involved as peer counsellors and social operators in anti-trafficking operations, the research recommends. It also recommends national campaigns to inform the public of the real situation of the victims of human trafficking and forced prostitution.

The research recommends implementation of the recently adopted European norms calling for tougher penalties for traffickers and better protection for victims.

Recognising the important role former victims of human trafficking can play in helping the new victims, the research recommends involving them in a national campaign in Nigeria to inform potential victims of what they risk if trafficked to Europe. It also recommends establishing care homes for the victims where the former victims of human trafficking play key roles in supporting the new victims and working as peer counsellors. This is supported by the fact that many former victims are ready to help the new victims, especially the very young ones.

It is equally important to help the victims re-establish relationships with their families in their home countries, the research suggests, in addition to a national campaign to raise awareness of the Nigerian mafia.

The research recommends simplifying the bureaucratic procedures in order to make it easier for the victims to seek help.

Isoke says that the Association of Benin City Girls receives so many requests for help from victims of forced prostitution, but with limited resources, they find it difficult to help all of them. We’d like to appeal to all public institutions, private companies and individuals to support the Association of Benin City Girls and all other similar associations helping the victims. People in need of help to save their lives should never find doors closed.

ASSOCIATION OF BENIN CITY GIRLS
If you are a victim of forced prostitution or if you know a victim in need of help, please contact the
Association of Benin City Girls using the following contacts:
Tel: 346 9406053
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

By Stephen Ogongo Ongong’a

Members and friends of Nzuko Ndi Igbo Pesaro/Urbino Association came together for the end year party in Pesaro on 4th December 2010.

Nzuko Ndi Igbo Pesaro/Urbino is a socio-cultural association with the aim of promoting inter-cultural and social relationships between Italians and Nigerians. It also aims at promoting the culture and traditions of the Igbos in Italy. Igbo is a Nigerian tribe.

In his opening speech, Mr. Madueke O. Basil, the Chairman of Nzuko Ndi Igbo Pesaro/Urbino Association described the ceremony as a moment of celebration and reflections. He thanked God for the peace between members of the Association and the progress they have so far made.

Pointing out that peace, solidarity, respect for the rule of law & hospitality are part of the traditions of the Igbos, Mr. Basil urged the members of the Association to always display these qualities wherever they are.
He thanked the members for their dedication and determination which have made their Association one of the most outstanding associations in the region.

He appealed to all the Igbos residing in the area who have not yet joined the Association to do so.
Mr. Basil advised all immigrants in Italy to join their local associations saying that it is an important way of working together for progress.

He said that associations are important forums for addressing some of the social problems immigrants face in the country in addition to promoting the cultures and traditions of their home countries.

Mr. Basil commended the female and male cultural dance and masquerade groups for their remarkable performances.

He encouraged all members to be active as the Association plans to carry out many activities in the near future.

While breaking the kola-nut at the ceremony, the Patron of the Association Mr. Nguma Benjamin prayed for peace and unity among members.

During the party the former leaders of the Association who vacated their offices in April 2010 were honoured.

Mr. Basil described the former officials as dutiful and dedicated, and thanked them for their services. Mr. Kanife Godwin, the former Chairman of the Association praised the members for their co-operation while he was in office.

The ceremony was attended by many guests and well wishers.

Nigerians living in Vicenza celebrated the end of year in grand style under the auspices of Nzuko Ndi Igbo Association.

The celebration held on 5th December 2010 started with a thanksgiving church service  at Saint Pius Catholic Church Vicenza officiated by Rev. Fr. Stephen Amofa who prayed for unity, progress and cordial relationship between Nigeria and the host country, Italy.

After the church services, a reception was held at the famous Ivory Coast Bar. Members of Nzuko Ndi Igbo were handy in ushering in guests, demonstrating a deep sense of friendship by warmly embracing and making them feel at home. In his welcoming speech, the President of Nzuko Ndi Igbo Vicenza, Chief Ernest Onuawuchi-Eze di Ohamma 1 of Igboland in Vicenza, explained that the aim of the Association “is to provide leadership in the promotion of Igbo culture through education and active participation in the province of Vicenza." He said the Association will soon adopt a constitution and host a big inauguration party.

Mr. Ogbuefi Ken Okafor, Chief Executive Officer of African Commercial Centre, Vicenza, who was the Chairman of the occasion, said that Nzuko Ndi Igbo is an organization wide open to all the Igbo people of Nigeria residing in Vicenza Province. "We are our brother’s keeper here in Vicenza and we will continue to be," he said.

The Association creates a forum for cultural exchange between Italians and Nigerians while at the same time promoting friendship between the two communities. "The Nzuko Ndi Igbo Association also creates opportunities for us to raise funds to help the disadvantaged in Nigeria. It provides opportunities for members to volunteer in activities such as serving the homeless, the poor and the needy in Vicenza," he said.

The celebration attracted the cream of title holders from Nigerians living in Italy which included Prince and Lolo Kenneth Onuigwe-Eze di Igbo to be in Vicenza, Chief and Lolo Athan Nsofor, Chief and Lolo Cy Duruh, Nze and Lolo Benedict Okonkwo, Chief and Lolo Benedict Okereke-Patron Nzuko Ndi Igbo Vicenza and Mr. and Mrs. Evaristus Okereke, Vice President of Nzuko Ndi Igbo Vicenza.

It was also attended by Mr. and Mrs. Magnus Nnadi, Vice Chairman, Nigerian Community Vicenza, Mr. Solomon Aluola, Catechist of St. Pius Catholic Church Vicenza, and many other dignitaries.

It was a refreshing evening as the meal prepared by Lolo Duru and Mrs. Chizor Nnadi was shared in the spirit of Nigerian culture.

Mr. Mike Onyia (Father Christmas) distributed writing and reading materials provided by Nzuko Ndi Igbo for the children.

Children entertained their parents and guests with songs and dances, before DJ Prince Emeka Ebede took over to entertain the guests with a series of hits ranging from gospel, high life, reggae to hip hop.

By Nnanna Okere

Our newspaper Africa News wins Media: News and Politics Award

Africans who have excelled in different fields were recognised and celebrated during the ADLER Entrepreneurship Award Night in Bonn, Germany.

Ms. Angelica Maria Kappel, Mayor of the Federal city of Bonn was the guest of honour at the special ceremony held on 4th December 2010 at Königshof Hotel.

She welcomed the guests to her city saying that Bonn was proud to host such a significant event.

Our newspaper Africa News, Patrick Addai, SamEurope GmbH and African People’s Convention, are some of the lucky ones who walked away with awards in different categories.

The ADLER Entrepreneurship Award acknowledges the accomplishments of Africans in Europe and Africa. It is presented to Africans and people of African descent who through their knowledge and activities have made great contributions to the development of their communities.

The ADLER Entrepreneurship Award was founded by the African Youth Foundation (www.ayf.de). This is a non-profit development organization based in Bonn. It was established in 2000 to aid young African people in the Diaspora and in Africa, as well as Europeans of African descent, to undertake projects which will enable them obtain skills necessary for their future livelihoods.

Dr. Paulyn Jansen, the President of African Youth Foundation thanked all the nominees who managed to attend the ceremony.

She emphasized that ADLER Entrepreneurship Awards acknowledge and promote entrepreneurship.

Dr. Jansen said she was proud of the achievements of Africans in Europe, and of the fact that many who arrive here empty handed work hard to an extent of even creating job opportunities for Europeans.

She urged all to concentrate on the positive things Africans do. Turning to the nominees, Dr. Jansen said: “The fact that you were nominated means you are a winner.”

The event which marked five years of the creation of the Award, was organised in collaboration with the JANERO Consultancy GmbH (www.janero.eu).

WINNERS OF ADLER AWARDS 2010
Authors
Patrick Addai, Adinkra Verlag (Vienna, Austria)

Businesses And Entrepreneurs
SamEurope GmbH (Berlin, Germany)

Civil Society/NGOs
African People’s Convention (Kassel, Germany)

Media
News and Politics: Africa News (Rome, Italy)
Entertainment: Mo Asumang: Seven Lounge (Berlin, Germany)
Society Platforms: Africa Networking (Hamburg, Germany)

Special Awards Winners
Best African Cultural Ambassador in Germany
Chief Kajetan Akalite, Eze Ndi Igbo I of Köln

Diaspora Excellence Awards 
Donald Peterson, CEO, Richfield Technologies Limited, Nigeria
 
Aspiring Youth Award
Kayode Raphael Adegboye, Student, Nigeria/Germany

Jubilee Awards Winners
Mrs. Wendy Elsner, Afrikanischer und karibischer Kulturverein e.V. (Frankfurt, Germany)
Sir Lawrence Famakinde Adedoyin, Presidential Candidate 2011, African Political System (APS), Nigeria, CEO, Sir Lawrence Petroleum  Refinery Incorporated Texas USA