British-Nigerian Actor, Oyelowo vows to tackle human trafficking

David Oyelowo.

Popular British-Nigerian Actor, David Oyelowo, has expressed willingness to extend his humanitarian efforts to combat the global epidemic of human trafficking.The actor who is set to receive the Diamonds Do Good International Vanguard Award for his achievements in the arts and in the educational empowerment of vulnerable girls in Nigeria said more needs to be done to tackle modern slavery and human trafficking.

The founder of David Oyelowo Leadership Scholarship for Girls in Nigeria, decried the spate of sex trafficking even in urban environment, pointing out that urgent action must be taken.

“Going beyond the borders of Nigeria, human trafficking, modern-day slavery, sex trafficking, these are really disgusting things that are going on in society,” Oyelowo told Huffington Post in an interview.

“A lot of them are dealing with girls being pulled out of Africa. It’s happening within the continent itself. Even here in Los Angeles ― the San Fernando Valley, where I live ― it’s one of the worst hubs for human trafficking in the country.

“So it’s on our doorstep, and it’s international. And if you’re a father of children, really it’s a thing that young people are being subjected to by those who prey upon them.

“It’s unthinkable to think about what’s going on out there. So anything and everything I can do, and my colleagues can do, to eradicate this is what I’m interested in.”

The multiple award winning actor mentioned that his love for Africa also influences the type of project he is passionate about.

He noted that he prefers projects that showcase Africa’s overlooked history, such as “United Kingdom,” (where he played Botswana’s first president, Sir Seretse Khama) which highlighted Botswana’s role as a leading diamond-producing nation.

“My passion is really behind any African story that highlights the transcendent beauty and just the amazing quality of Africa and its people,” he said.

Apart from spotlighting great facets of Africa, the actor said he is passionate about changing the negative narratives too.

“One of the stories that isn’t a success story of course is surrounding the Chibok girls and what’s going on with Boko Haram, and what’s going on with the marginalization of women generally, not just in Nigeria, but on the African continent and around the world,” he said. “So for me, it’s about highlighting the great story, but also trying to change the narrative around the negative, because those are things that can and must change.”