A former First Lady of Osun State, Mrs Kafayat Oyetola, has facilitated the rescue and safe return of a 36-year-old Osun indigene, Titilayo Oluwaseun, who was stranded in Cairo, Egypt, after allegedly being dispossessed of her international passport and subjected to forced labour.
Titilayo had earlier drawn public attention to her plight in a viral video in which she appealed to the Nigerian government for urgent assistance, claiming that the individual who facilitated her travel to Egypt seized her passport upon arrival and compelled her to work under harsh conditions.
Following the distress call, Mrs Oyetola, who is also the wife of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, intervened by ensuring the recovery of Titilayo’s passport and arranging her return flight to Nigeria.
Titilayo arrived in the country on Sunday and was received by the Executive Director, Project Implementation, Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Engr Remi Omowaiye.
Speaking with journalists after her arrival, Omowaiye said the intervention was made possible through the efforts of Mrs Oyetola, whom he described as a committed advocate for the welfare and protection of women and children.
He explained that upon becoming aware of Titilayo’s situation, Mrs Oyetola mobilised her foundation, the Ileri-Oluwa Women and Children Support Initiative, to investigate the matter and collaborate with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to locate her in Cairo.
“It was established that Titilayo wished to return to Nigeria. Her passport was recovered, and the flight ticket that brought her home was arranged,” Omowaiye said, adding that efforts were ongoing to support other Nigerian women reportedly stranded in Egypt.
He advised Nigerians to be cautious and thoroughly verify individuals or agencies offering overseas travel opportunities, warning that many unsuspecting persons fall victim to forced labour or prostitution through such arrangements.
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