TALKAM Corporate Supporters Forum Launched to Strengthen Private Sector Engagement in Human Rights and Community Empowerment
The launch of the TALKAM Corporate Supporters Forum marked a significant step toward strengthening collaboration between the private sector and civil society in advancing human rights and community empowerment. Moderated by Mrs. Titilayo Edokwe and Mrs. Ijeoma Oguntade, the event underscored Devatop Centre for Africa Development’s sustained commitment to addressing human trafficking, gender-based violence, and online exploitation. It provided a strategic platform for corporate organizations to align their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives with impactful social causes, while highlighting the achievements of the TALKAM Initiative and inspiring collective action toward justice, dignity, and sustainability.
The event opened with the introduction of Devatop’s Board Members, followed by an opening remark from the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Benson Olugbuo. In welcoming guests and partners, Dr. Olugbuo reflected on Devatop’s long-standing work in combating human rights abuses through advocacy, education, technology, and survivor empowerment. He shared key milestones, including support provided to over 1,200 survivors, more than 15,000 downloads of the TALKAM App, and nationwide awareness campaigns that have reached over 50,000 people. Emphasizing the importance of corporate partnerships in scaling social impact, he presented the TALKAM Corporate Supporters Forum as an avenue for businesses to drive purpose-driven CSR initiatives. He concluded with a call to action, urging participants to join efforts that promote humanity, education, dignity, justice, and sustainable community development.
Goodwill messages further reinforced the significance of the initiative. Mr. Imeh Etukudoh, Project Manager at Freedom Fund Nigeria, commended Devatop for its consistency in promoting human rights and supporting survivors, describing the TALKAM Initiative as a powerful tool for advocacy and social impact. Adding an international perspective, Miss Catherina from Germany expressed admiration for Devatop’s work and encouraged continued global collaboration in advancing human rights.
The keynote address, delivered by Mrs. Cynthia Ene Ogbe, focused on the theme “Harnessing Corporate Social Responsibility for Human Rights and Community Empowerment.” She introduced the TALKAM Initiative as a civic technology platform designed for human rights education, digital case management, and victim support. Emphasizing the need for transformative CSR that goes beyond charity, she highlighted the Initiative’s reach across all 36 states in Nigeria and 10 countries. She called on businesses to become active partners in advancing human rights, supporting survivors, and fostering inclusive community development.
Participants were also engaged through a documentary that showcased the TALKAM Initiative’s activities, technological tools, survivor stories, and ongoing community interventions. This visual presentation offered a compelling insight into the real-life impact of the platform and its role in strengthening accountability and access to justice.
The highlight of the event was the official launch of the TALKAM Corporate Supporters Forum by Dr. Benson Olugbuo. He encouraged corporate organizations to actively participate in the TALKAM App tax certification initiative, stressing its importance in promoting accountability and meaningful corporate contribution to social good. He reiterated the Forum’s objectives, which include combating human trafficking, gender-based violence, and online exploitation; providing emergency and mid-term support to victims; promoting justice and accountability; and empowering vulnerable youth and women across Nigeria. Reaffirming the value of education, he noted that “education restores man’s dignity and is not a scam,” while also outlining the mutual benefits for corporate supporters engaging with the TALKAM App.
The forum recorded encouraging commitments from several organizations. Team Coby Nigeria pledged in-kind donations, Chaten Partners and Gokardinal committed to partnership support, while Emzor Pharma Ltd and Tedxpeal Marine Services indicated plans to report back to their companies for further engagement. Cowan committed to awareness and community campaigns, and ALX pledged technical donations. Mr. Imeh Etukudoh further reaffirmed Freedom Fund Nigeria’s continued support, stating that they have no plans to withdraw their backing for the initiative.
Overall, the launch of the TALKAM Corporate Supporters Forum strengthened corporate awareness of the role of CSR in promoting human rights and community empowerment, enhanced partnerships between corporate organizations, NGOs, and development partners, and inspired businesses to align their CSR strategies with human rights and sustainable development goals. The event also amplified the visibility of the TALKAM Initiative, reinforcing its role in advocacy, case management, and survivor support across Nigeria and beyond.
