The US Consulate in Lagos has applauded Naso Group’s ATBONDI-JCV Project Breakfree cultural and anti-modern day slavery and child trafficking activities, promoting strong ties and cooperation between Lagos, Nigeria and Oyotunji village, South Carolina, USA.
Mrs Luckett Meghan, the Political Officer US consulate Lagos, made the commendation recently when the anti modern day slavery and child trafficking activist and Founder of NASO Group’s ICV Project Breakfree, Rotimi Vaughan, led some members of his group, which included the representative of HRM Oba Adejuyigbe Adefunmi II, the Oloyotunji of Oyotunji African Village, Sheldon, South Carolina, USA, Aare Amodu Oluwanbe for a courtesy visit to the US Consulate in Lagos.
Meghan lauded the project initiator, Mr Vaughan for the achievements attained so far in developing a robust relationship with South Carolina, USA.
She confirmed that she had been following the activities of NASO Group ATBONDI-JCV Project Breakfree in combatting modern slavery and promoting strong ties between Lagos State and South Carolina, especially Oyotunji Village, including the historic programme that saw the signing of the MoU on bilateral relations between the Badagry Kingdom and Oyotunji Village.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Vaughan gave an update on the production of the group’s anti modern slavery documentary on the Ebonyi enslaved girls story, titled They Just Want To Go Back Home, which gave an account of the sad tale of two girls trafficked from Ebonyi State into Lagos, four years ago and were later reunited with their parents in Ebonyi State by Vaughan and his anti-modern slavery team, and presented Meghan with a DVD copy of the documentary. Vaughan said that the essence of the documentary was for the world to shun anti-modern slavery and child trafficking and embrace freedom of humanity.
On the forthcoming National Cultural Day event that is billed to hold in Oyotunji Village South Carolina, USA, tagged The Lagos-Oyotunji Cultural Heritage Fiesta, Vaughan stated that the group and participants billed to attend the event are all looking forward to visiting Oyotunji, in South Carolina to experience a place in the US that has made its mark in practicing the Yoruba Nigerian culture and promoting such culture in North America.
Vaughan said that the event would serve as an opportunity and platform for people to meet numerous investors and to strengthened cultural and investment bond between Oyotunji village and Nigeria vis-a-vis combating modern day slavery.
In response, Meghan commented that human trafficking is a major concern for the US mission in Nigeria and affirmed that the US Consulate will continue to work with Vaughan and his group in addressing modern day slavery and child trafficking issues in Nigeria.
She stated further that the Lagos-Oyotunji Fiesta should certainly turn out to be a success and a good platform for promoting cultural ties, and indeed cooperation in combating slavery, and wish all participants’ memorable moments in South Carolina.
Other group members who attended the meeting included: Mrs Sarah Podoki, Selina Isegbe, Hon. Apata and Kelvin Oseji.