A new book, project by Edo born Nigerian survivor of human trafficking, Iziegbe Ogbeide, popularly known as ‘Izzy Ogbeide, has attracted the sum of
$1000 (One Thousand Dollar) pledge from
Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan-backed crowdfunding campaign.
The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, who announced the pledge on her verified social media handles, said while some survivors find the courage and strength to heal, rebuild, and move forward, others remain deeply wounded.
The Senator said sometimes human trafficking survivors are so broken that they unintentionally pass on the pain they once endured to the very society that failed to protect them.
In the most tragic cases, this cycle of trauma has manifested in extreme ways, according to the lawmaker, commended the courage of the socialite turned author, who had previously solicited support to accomplish the task of documenting her memoirs as survivor of human trafficking.
She also urged philanthropists in crowdfunding the project for documenting her life experiences as a trafficked teenage from Nigeria to Italy and violations of human rights to dignity in her and how she overcame her trauma that left lifelong scars years ago.
“In the most tragic cases, this cycle of trauma has manifested in extreme ways. Yet, there is another path… the path of courage.
“Today, I choose to recognize and celebrate that courage”, Natasha wrote: “I commend Iziegbe Ogbeide for finding the strength to tell her story. Trafficked as a teenager to Italy and forced into life as a sex worker, she has since reclaimed her freedom”.
“While her healing journey is hers alone to define, what stands undeniable is her bravery in confronting stigma and shame to speak out.
“Her story is not just personal; it is a call to action. A call for stronger policies, better protections, and a collective responsibility to ensure that no young girl is ever subjected to such exploitation again.
“In support of her courage and her mission to share her story through a book, I am pledging $1,000 toward her crowdfunding project”, according to the federal lawmaker.
Europe-based Ogbeide came under severe attack recently when she called out her parents and blamed them on social media for being responsible for her ordeal as a teenager. Her claim that Edo people who send their underaged daughters abroad for prostitution are irresponsible, attracted both commendation and backlash amongst some of her fans and critics.
