68 years old human trafficking victim opens her heart to ‘Mama Diaspora’

New York, January 22, 2007—Mrs. Marthina Okeke (a.k.a. Mrs. Stella M. Okereke), 68 years old Nigerian, poor victim of international human trafficking and gross exploitation stranded in the U.S. recently opened her heart to Chief Ms. Temitope Ajayi, the Presidents of All Nigerian American Congress (ANAC), Nigerian Community and Friends (NCF) and NCF Investment, Inc.

Chief Ms. Ajayi, a California-based Nigeria community leader recently paid a courtesy call to the headquarters of Africans In America, Inc. in New York City to drum up support for NCF Investment and Finance Forum For Projects, Trade, Developments and Capital Equipment taking place in Houston, Texas on February 7, 2007. Chief Ajayi used the opportunity to request a meeting with the 68 years old Nigeria female victim she read about on the news media.

On getting to a meeting location, Chief Ms. Ajayi listened to the old woman narrate her ordeals, the way a wealthy, prominent Nigerian politician and community chief with family in New York approached her in her village of Arondizuogu in Nigeria in 1988 and lured her with job offer of babysitting 4 children in New York City with promises of building a house for her and her children in the village, training her 3 children in school and vocational skills, buying them equipments to start a trade and paying her $300.00 a month if she accepts the offer. Being a homeless and jobless widow, she trusted the chief, accepted the offer and left her children in her village. The chief prepared her documents and got a U. S. entry visa

However, upon getting into New York City, the madam of the house who already had 4 biological children immediately applied for foster care and was approved for 3 foster children. Shortly after, the madam gave birth to another child making it 5 biological children and 3 foster children. Victim was taking care of total of 8 children on a steady base, 24 hours for 12 consecutive years in the household of the madam who was a supervisor at Little Flower Children Services at that time. Victim also stated that she took care of inside and outside of 4-bedroom mansion, cooked and cleaned for the household for 12 consecutive years. Her traffickers and captors never kept the promises. She was not paid one cent.

For almost 17 years she was living in fear until one member of Nigerian community familiar with her ordeal contacted the office of Africans In America, Inc. and took there for interview. Following the high level linkage and advocacy of the group, the U. S. Dept of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Homeland Security granted her certification and T visa, a special visa established by the U.S. Congress for victims of severe form of human trafficking. Victim and the advocacy group have received threats and disparaging remarks from the traffickers and their associates.

Overwhelmed by deep emotions, Chief Ms. Ajayi implored the old woman to leave everything to God, as tears rolled down her eyes. Chief Ajayi promised the victim that she will use her good offices to appeal to the local, state, national and international leaders and citizens of the global community to show their milk of human kindness and assist her to build a house in her village, to furnish it and take her home to reunite with her family, who she has not seen in over 18 years.

Chief Ms. Ajayi closed the visit by praying for the victim and giving her undisclosed amount of money - customary ‘widow’s might’. Most importantly, Chief Ms. Ajayi of Yoruba tribe in Nigeria shocked and electrified the victim, of a rival Igbo tribe by introducing an Igbo gospel song of praise and asked her to join; Aga m abu, ihe Chineka si na m ga abu; Ekwensu enweghi ike igbochi ya. (English translation – I will get what God has for me; Satan will not have enough power to stop it.) The Chief Ms. and the victim performed a graceful but emotional rendition of praise and dance.

Bonaventure Ezekwenna, the Executive Director of Africans In America, Inc. (AIA), the human rights organization championing the victim’s case was invited to join the rendition.

Chief Ajayi’s parting word to the victim, “remember this Mama: Aga m abu, ihe Chineka si na m ga abu.” And the victims ebulliently chorused; “Ekwensu enweghi ike igbochi ya.”

Africans In America, Inc. (New York), Nigeria Community and Friends, Inc. and NCF Investment Inc. (California) have therefore decided to launch a major fundraising drive for Mrs. Marthina Okeke (a.k.a. Mrs. Stella M. Okereke).

Chief Ms. Ajayi is; “appealing to every Nigerian to come out and support this old woman with anything one could afford; be it one dollar, be it one cent, every support counts, no matter how big, no matter how small”.

“If you think this is isolated case, think again” * “If anyone tells you this is part of African culture, don’t believe it”

Chief Temitope Ajayi during solidarity visit to the Nigeria victim of international human trafficking stranded in New York City, Mrs. Marthina Okeke.

To Help:

Africans In America, Inc. accepts financial donations - cash, checks, money orders and online donation. We are IRS recognized 501 (C)(3) organization. All contributions to Africans In America, Inc. are tax-deductible to the fullest extent the law permits. We will give you receipt for your contribution. Consult your accountant on many benefits of charitable giving.

Checks, money orders and cash payable to: Africans In America, Inc. P. O. Box 812, New York, New York 10039, USA.

Individuals and organizations willing to help in fundraising should contact Africans In America, Inc.

If you are a victim or know someone who may be a victim, and for further information regarding our organization including, volunteering and other ways to help, contact us at; telephone: 1-347-284-4953, fax: 1-718-328-9170.