Nigerians Urged to Pursue Success Without Trafficking

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The founder of Café de Vie, Victoria Minaise, has emphasized that Nigerians do not need to be trafficked to secure a better future. She made this assertion in Abuja on Friday during an art exhibition by Benjamin Abana, titled Humans Out of the Box.

The event, sponsored by 7 River Capital and other key partners, showcased Abana’s work and raised awareness about the dangers of human trafficking.

Speaking at the event, Minaise highlighted the significance of the exhibition’s theme.

“The title Humans Out of the Box reminds us that we have the power to shape our destinies. We don’t need to be trafficked to build a future. With our talents, we can create opportunities for ourselves. Benjamin Abana is a perfect example of this. He started with a blank canvas and turned it into something remarkable, which has gained recognition from world leaders. His journey proves that Nigerians can succeed through their own gifts and hard work,” she stated.

Abana, a renowned Danish-Nigerian artist, expressed his excitement about the exhibition, describing it as a milestone in his artistic journey.

“This is a dream come true. I have worked for years to bring this vision to life. It takes the right connections, the right setting, and the right people to make such dreams a reality, and I am grateful this has come together,” he said.

He further revealed that his artwork is deeply personal, reflecting his Danish-Nigerian heritage and family influences. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from the exhibition will be donated to support efforts against human trafficking.

The First Lady of Kwara State, Ambassador Olufolake Abdulrazaq, commended Abana’s work, stating, “Your paintings speak to your Nigerian heritage and so much more.”

Abana, who gained international acclaim after winning Denmark’s Best Portrait Painter in 2019, solidified his reputation when he received a royal commission to paint King Frederik X of Denmark. His expressive and dynamic figurative portraits have captivated audiences worldwide, and Humans Out of the Box marks his first exhibition on the African continent.

Proceeds from the event will support the efforts of MeCAHT, an organization dedicated to combating human trafficking in Nigeria.