Media Coalition and Awareness to Halt Human Trafficking (MeCAHT), along with its technical partner, the APUDI Institute for Peace Studies and Social Rehabilitation (APIS), had the honour of hosting Her Majesty Queen Mary of Denmark, who was on a validation visit to the Safe House Pilot Program in Abuja.
During the visit, the Principal Technical Advisor, Prof. Danladi Atu, while briefing Her Majesty, highlighted that the Greater Love Lighthouse is the pilot project of the Safe House Project in Nigeria for the rehabilitation of victims of human trafficking. Once validated, it would kickstart the full implementation of a wide range of citizen-focused needs, such as support for migrants, male victims, and adults in trauma. He noted that the pilot program is currently limited to only girl-child victims of human trafficking—passionately referred to as Treasures.
Prof. Atu pointed out to Her Majesty that the Safe House Projects are in line with global best practices for rehabilitation-in-residence programs.
Also speaking during the visit, the Board Chairperson of MeCAHT, Mrs. Sarah Kefas, described the Queen’s presence as a profound gesture of solidarity. She stated that Queen Mary’s visit to assess the Safe House and directly interact with the Treasures reflects that international partnerships are not only policy-driven but also people-centered and truly impactful.
Following a heartfelt tour of the Safe House and interaction with the Treasures, Her Majesty Queen Mary of Denmark shared her reflections, stating that the visit was an act of solidarity with victims of human trafficking. While brief, she noted the interaction was deeply moving and meaningful, and she expressed gratitude to MeCAHT and its technical partners, APIS, for restoring the hope and dignity of young survivors.
She thanked the team for giving the young Treasures their lives back and for helping them to trust again in people and in humanity. Queen Mary expressed satisfaction with the management and impact of the Safe House Project.
A symbolic highlight of the visit was the presentation of handcrafted gifts by the Treasures to Her Majesty, offered in appreciation for Denmark’s support to MeCAHT and for Her Majesty’s humanitarian efforts.
The visit concluded with a significant milestone as the APIS-MeCAHT team officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), formally sealing the partnership between the two organizations.
Dafir Zughumnaan
Media Aide to
Prof. Danladi Abok Atu
APIS (Nigeria)
