Nigerian Woman's Journey from Captivity to Empowerment in Libya
Yakubu Oyiza Hope's life took a drastic turn 11 years ago when she left Nigeria for Libya in search of better opportunities. Instead, she found herself imprisoned, kidnapped, and on the brink of being sold into human slavery. The traumatic experience led to her becoming pregnant and returning to Nigeria two years later in 2017 with a baby.
Hope's journey to freedom was marked by significant challenges. Upon her return, she faced difficulties in finding employment due to her status as a nursing mother. However, she remained determined to rebuild her life. She started by engaging in various small businesses, including cleaning, selling local delicacies, and hawking. As her son grew older and started schooling, Hope began working and eventually gained the courage to speak out against human trafficking.
In recent years, Hope has made tremendous progress. She has been diagnosed with depression and has undergone therapy sessions to cope with her experiences. She has also started learning tailoring and has become an advocate for human trafficking victims. In 2023, Hope gained admission to a federal university and has since matriculated. She has also assisted over 500 people from Libya and other countries who have been affected by human trafficking.
Today, Hope is a student, an ambassador, and a business owner. She has been featured on several TV shows to share her story and raise awareness about human trafficking. As she embarks on her third year of university, Hope is also pursuing a SIWES program in a government hospital and has opened her own Herbal Academy. Reflecting on her journey, Hope expressed gratitude for the opportunity to rewrite her story and inspire others.
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