International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition

 

International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition

By Susan Omenuko

Every year on 23 August, the world marks the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition. This day honours the memory of millions of African men, women, and children who endured the inhumanity of the transatlantic slave trade and celebrates the courage of those whose resistance helped bring it to an end.

It is a day of reflection—of looking back at the atrocities of the past while calling for justice, equality, and human dignity in the present. UNESCO chose this date to commemorate the start of the Haitian Revolution in 1791, a historic turning point in the abolitionist movement.

But this remembrance is not just about history—it is also about recognising and dismantling the modern forms of exploitation, racism, and inequality that still echo from that dark chapter.

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Nigeria’s Story in the Slave Trade

Nigeria was deeply affected by the transatlantic slave trade. Coastal cities like Badagry, Calabar, and Bonny were among the busiest slave ports, from which countless Nigerians were forcibly shipped to the Americas. Families were torn apart, cultures disrupted, and communities weakened.

Even though slavery was abolished in the 19th century, its scars remain. The loss of human potential, colonial exploitation, and systemic underdevelopment are part of the long-term consequences we still feel today. For Nigeria, 23 August is a reminder of resilience and the urgent need for education, healing, and empowerment.

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EOON Care – Standing for Dignity and Human Worth

At EOON Care, our mission is rooted in the belief that no human being should ever be treated as a commodity. We exist to protect dignity, strengthen human connections, and provide compassionate support—particularly for those most vulnerable in society, such as the elderly, youth, and marginalised groupsEOON CARE booklet DRAFT….

The legacy of slavery teaches us that neglect, invisibility, and dehumanisation can take many forms. Today, these may be seen in social isolation, abandonment of the elderly, or lack of opportunities for the young. EOON Care responds to these challenges by offering:

• Residential Care at our Celine Care Centre with 24/7 support, community activities, and family involvement.

• Home Care Services that provide companionship, personal care, and health support in people’s own homes.

• Training Programmes to equip caregivers with person-centred care skillsCaregiver Induction Tra….

• Community Outreach aimed at empowering individuals and bridging generations.

By fostering dignity, empathy, and human connection, we actively help to dismantle the lasting legacies of oppression.

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A Call to Remember—and to Act

The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition is not just a date in history—it is a call to action.

It challenges us to:

• Confront the injustices of the past and present.

• Celebrate resilience, cultural strength, and community.

• Stand together for equality, justice, and human dignity.

As Nigeria continues to grow and redefine its future, organisations like EOON Care will remain on the frontlines—turning remembrance into meaningful action, and transforming the pain of history into a purpose for compassion.

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#EndExploitation