Ruth Benson-Idahosa, the daughter of Archbishop Margaret Benson-Idahosa, the Archbishop of Church of God Mission International, has been honoured with a Special Award for her Anti-Human Trafficking Campaign in the United States of America.
At the Award presentation ceremony, the US State Department, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, unveiled the release of the 2023 Trafficking Persons Report.
The comprehensive report assesses 188 countries and territories, including the US, providing an objective evaluation of their efforts in preventing and addressing human trafficking.
The primary goal of the report is to highlight successful anti-trafficking initiatives, identify areas for improvement, and ultimately eradicate trafficking worldwide.
Secretary Blinken emphasized the United States’ unwavering commitment to combating human trafficking, considering it a violation of human rights and personal autonomy. With over 27 million people still denied their basic rights, the Secretary declared that the United States stands united with others in the pursuit of ending this heinous crime.
The event also served as an occasion to honour the 2023 Tip Report Heroes, recognizing their exceptional contributions to the fight against human trafficking.
Among the distinguished recipients was Ruth Evon Benson-Idahosa from Nigeria, whose organization, Pathfinders Justice Initiative and Hub of Economic Resources For Survisors Africa, focuses on empowering survivors of sex trafficking through transformative programs that address the root causes of exploitation.
Ruth Evon Benson-Idahosa’s advocacy efforts have also been instrumental in improving anti-trafficking policies and legislation in Nigeria.
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, the awardee acknowledged the collective efforts of countless individuals, who tirelessly work for justice and reconciliation.
She shared the tragic story of Faith, a Nigerian woman trafficked and subjected to the horrors of the European sex industry until her untimely death. “Faith’s ordeal represents the harsh reality faced by thousands of victims, highlighting the urgent need for action”, she said.
Benson-Idahosa urged world leaders to prioritize reconciliation and adopt a more integrated, intersectional, and interdependent approach in the fight against trafficking.
She also called for a shift in consciousness that values the preservation of interests, rights, and dignity for all individuals, emphasizing the importance of amplifying the voices of survivors and local communities.
The Nigerian activist urged governments to address systemic failures and prioritize the well-being of people over profit, stressing the necessity of inviting those who had been traditionally excluded to participate in decision-making processes, ensuring that those most impacted by trafficking had their voices heard.
Benson-Idahosa emphasized the need for compassion, empathy, and long-term commitments to structural transformation.
She encouraged individuals to take small daily actions that promote love, kindness, and the collective good, as those efforts contribute to reconciling a world plagued by injustice.
In a related development, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has sent a message of congratulations to the Founder of Pathfinders Justice Initiative and Hub of Economic Resources For Survisors Africa, Ruth Evon Benson-Idahosa, for the meritorious Award.
In a statement in Benin City, Governor Obaseki hailed the courageous and impactful work of Ruth Benson-Idahosa, applauding her resolve, resilience, and dedication to advancing the campaign against sex trafficking in Nigeria.
According to him, “I congratulate you, Ruth Evon Benson-Idahosa, on the recognition by the United States Government for your immense work in deepening the fight against sex trafficking in Nigeria.
“I salute your concerted efforts through the Pathfinders Justice Initiative and Hub of Economic Resources For Survivors Africa in contributing to the global charge to end sex trafficking.
“This includes the provision of protection and prevention services to more than 3,000 women and girls. We are proud of the excellent work you have done and celebrate your hard work and determination in ensuring a better life for young people across the world.”
Governor Obaseki noted that Ruth Evon Benson-Idahosa would serve as a role model to youths in Edo State and would continue to advance the state government’s campaign against human trafficking.
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