The Sisters of St Louis have been involved in the campaign against human trafficking as far back as 1996, when the then provincial superior, Sr. Patricia Ebegbulem, was chair of the Women Religious in Nigeria. These Women Religious responded to the call of the Women Religious of Italy, Unione Superiori Maggiori Italiani (USMI), to collaborate with them in rescuing and rehabilitating Nigerian girls and young women trafficked to Europe, especially Italy.
It was during her tenure as National President of the Women Religious of Nigeria that Sr. Patricia Ebegbulem, together with her Executive Council, founded the Committee for the Support of the Dignity of Women (COSUDOW). Later, Sr. Patricia became the Regional Coordinator for the African Network against Human Trafficking (ANAHT) and the Regional Coordinator for The Global Network of Consecrated Persons against Human Trafficking (TALITHAKUM).
With the support of the Sisters of St. Louis, Sr. Patricia went full-time into the anti-human trafficking ministry after her term as provincial superior. Working collaboratively with the Women Religious of Nigeria and Sr. Eugenia Bonetti, the President of Slaves No More, they established a home in Lagos for the trafficked women and girls returning to Nigeria. This home, named Bakhita Villa after St. Josephine Bakhita, serves as a point of re-entry for those who have been deported or choose to return voluntarily.
The Sisters of St. Louis also went into partnership with the Order of Malta to establish an expanded shelter, which can comfortably accommodate about 30 ladies, including four mothers with their babies. The new shelter, along with the existing facilities, provides a safe and supportive environment for survivors of trafficking.
The Bakhita Project is located in Lagos, a bustling state with a population of about twenty million people. Lagos is known for its commercial activities, industries, and employment opportunities. Many people come to Lagos in search of a better life, but not everyone finds success. Some end up in poverty and become vulnerable to traffickers and criminal gangs.
With its international airport, Lagos is often the first point of entry for Nigerian girls and boys deported after their ordeal with traffickers. If these individuals are not met and assisted, they risk falling back into the hands of traffickers. Recognizing this, the Sisters of St. Louis established a safe house to provide legal counsel, vocational training, rehabilitation, and reintegration services for these victims. The office of the Bakhita Project is located at 11 Leye Omoniyi Close, Boys Town, Ipaja, Lagos, Nigeria.
The story of the Miracle of 2019 began on May 1st, 2017, when the Sisters of St. Louis purchased an uncompleted building next to Bakhita Villa in Lagos. The building was acquired with the support of St. Ferdinand Catholic Church and its then parish priest, Fr. Peter Oke. However, the challenge of completing the building remained.
Through the grace of God, the Order of Malta, represented by Michel Veuthey and Romain de Villeneuve, stepped in to help. The Loyola Foundation paid for the building, and Romain's dedication brought in several other supporters, including the Small World Charity Organization and ITB Construction Company, led by Mr. Gaby Massoud.
ITB Construction Company singlehandedly completed the building, providing all necessary materials, personnel, and supervision, despite facing numerous challenges, including traffic and road conditions in Lagos. Their perseverance resulted in the completion and equipping of the new Bakhita Villa, providing a safe space for many more survivors. We are deeply grateful for their generosity and commitment.
We can never thank God enough for His infinite goodness and for all those who have supported us in our work. To our supporters and collaborators at the international, national, and local levels, we say a heartfelt thank you, with the assurance of our prayers. Your support makes our mission possible.
Our journey in Bakhita Villa, Lagos, has been a testament to God's love, faithfulness, and abiding presence. We are grateful for all those God has used to manifest His goodness in our work. We pray that we remain faithful to God's will, knowing that His faithfulness endures forever.
Great is thy faithfulness (2x)
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy Hands have provided
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me
Written by Thomas Chisholm with music by William M. Runyan