This week, our spotlight shines on Bukola Oriola, a remarkable Nigerian-American journalist, entrepreneur, and advocate who has dedicated her life to combating human trafficking and supporting its victims. Oriola’s journey from a survivor to a leading voice in the fight against human trafficking is a testament to her resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to justice. Her work is particularly significant in the realm of child safeguarding, where she has made considerable contributions to protecting vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse.
A Journey of Survival and Advocacy
Bukola Oriola’s life took a dramatic turn in 2005 when she traveled to the United States from Nigeria on a two-month work permit to cover a United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York City. Her life in the U.S. soon became a nightmare when she married a U.S. citizen who subjected her to unfree labor and severe isolation. For two years, Oriola was imprisoned in her own home, her earnings confiscated, and her freedom stripped away. Despite these harrowing experiences, Oriola emerged as a survivor, determined to use her voice and experience to help others, especially children who are often the most vulnerable victims of trafficking.
Multifaceted Entrepreneur and Advocate
Oriola is a multifaceted entrepreneur who owns Bukola Oriola Group, LLC, previously known as Bukola Braiding and Beauty Supply, LLC. She hosted the “Imprisoned Show” on the Public Access North Metro TV Station in Blaine, Minnesota, where she featured experts to educate the public about human trafficking. Drawing from her own experiences, she used the platform to raise awareness and foster understanding about the complexities and horrors of human trafficking, with a particular focus on how it affects children.
In 2013, Oriola founded The Enitan Story, a nonprofit organization with a mission to advocate for victims and empower survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence. Through this organization, she provides crucial support, mentorship, and counseling to victims, including children. Oriola’s efforts in child safeguarding are evident in her programs that focus on protecting children from trafficking, providing them with safe environments, and ensuring they receive the necessary care and support to recover from their trauma.
Leadership and Recognition
Bukola Oriola’s advocacy work has earned her national and international recognition. In December 2015, she was appointed by President Barack Obama to the United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking, a position she was re-appointed to by President Donald Trump in April 2018. Her role on the council involves advising on policies and strategies to combat human trafficking and support its victims, with a significant emphasis on child safeguarding.
Oriola is also a fellow of the International Institute for Journalism in Germany and has received numerous accolades for her work, including the Cadbury National Award for Education Reporters in 2005. Her self-published book, “Imprisoned: The Travails of a Trafficked Victim,” provides a poignant account of her experiences and serves as a powerful tool for advocacy and education, highlighting the urgent need to protect children from trafficking.
Personal Life and Continuing Impact
Beyond her professional and advocacy work, Bukola Oriola is a devoted mother to her son, Samuel, who she considers her consolation and source of strength. Her personal experiences as a mother drive her passion for child safeguarding, ensuring that every child can grow up in a safe and nurturing environment.
Oriola continues to mentor and inspire countless victims of human trafficking, encouraging them to rebuild their lives and infusing them with hope. Her work with The Enitan Story and her various roles in public service demonstrate her commitment to creating a world where children are safe from the horrors of trafficking. She works tirelessly to raise awareness, provide education, and develop programs that specifically address the needs of trafficked children, helping them to heal and thrive.
Conclusion
Bukola Oriola’s story is one of survival, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice. Her advocacy against human trafficking has made a significant impact, providing a voice for the voiceless and hope for the hopeless. Her efforts in child safeguarding are particularly noteworthy, as she works to protect vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse. As we highlight her achievements this week, we celebrate her courage and dedication to making the world a safer place for all, especially for the children who represent our future. Oriola’s journey from a survivor to a global advocate serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the power of resilience and the importance of standing up against injustice to safeguard our children.