NAWOJ, POWA, NAPTIP sensitise public on human trafficking,illegal migration in Ogun

By Faith Akande

The challenge of human trafficking and illegal migration has become a serious cause of concern in the Nigeria society, hence the need for advocacy and enlightenment among the populace and how to curb it.

This was the focus of a one day advocacy programme organized by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ogun State Chapter in collaboration with the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), and supported by the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP), held at the pouplar Lafenwa Market, Abeokuta, on Wednesday.

The acting state coordinator of NAWOJ, Comrade Oluwatoyin Adegoke, said the Association was on the campaign against human trafficking to sensitise parents and youths on the deceptive tactics used by traffickers to lure vulnerable Nigerians into labour exploitation in another man’s country in search of golden fleece.

She explained that many victims of illegal migration were promised better employment, good education outside Nigeria,but ended up being sex slaves and used for other illegal businesses.

She said that NAWOJ is posied to safeguard the communities, particularly the womenfolk , children, and youth from the grave dangers of exploitation, deception, and abuse.

“This programme reflects our collective resolve to confront a danger that continues to threaten the safety, dignity, and future of many Nigerians.

“Human trafficking and irregular migration are not distant or abstract issues. They are real and present dangers affecting families in our markets, neighbourhoods, and communities.

” Many victims are lured with false promises of employment, education, or a better life abroad, only to end up in situations of forced labour, sexual exploitation, abuse, or even death.

“As women journalists, we understand the immense power of information. Our role goes beyond reporting events; we are committed to advocacy journalism that enlightens, empowers, and drives positive social change.

“Through this outreach at Lafenwa Market, we aim to speak directly to traders, parents, and young people about the deceptive tactics used by traffickers and the severe consequences of irregular migration.

“Through this programme, we hope to raise Social Change Agents that will rise to the challenge of continously creating awareness and providing public education towards reducing human trafficking and irregular migration,” Comrade Adegoke said.

She lauded the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), through the STEAP Project, for providing technical support and commitment to strengthening awareness and migration governance.

POWA through its State Chairperson Mrs. Olubusola Lanre-Ogunlowo, promised the association’s readiness to join hands with NAWOJ on the campaign against human trafficking.

She reiterated the association’s commitment to promoting opportunities for women and youth through empowerment and skills training.

She urged market women and members of the community to be vigilant and report any unusual movements to the right channel.

In her remarks, the State Commander of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Abosede Jimoh, lamented that the agency within the last years had received no fewer than 100 victims and 70 suspects.

She noted that some of the rescued victims are underage children who were forced to engaged in multiple sex activities and hard labour.

Jimoh disclosed that many housewives have equally fell victims of the illegal migration and human trafficking to majorly, Cairo and Libya.

“Victims are being moved from one place to another. It could be from village to rural setting, from rural to urban areas and by extension outside the country, for what? For sexual exploitation.

“They were not only made to sleep with men, they were made to sleep with animals. That was why NATIP also came into Ogun State two and a half years ago and ever since we came on board, we have received not less than 70 suspects of human trafficking and not less than 100 victims of human trafficking.

“Imagine a girl that is supposed to be in school and you know they are used, they are future leaders of the world. She is made to sleep with 20 men on a daily basis. It’s not a fiction. We are receiving cases like that on a daily basis, we have nine cases in court. We have prosecuted three and we have gotten conviction in three cases while others are under investigation” she added.

Iyaloja of Lafenwa Market, Alhaja Kabirat Owe, in her response appreciated NAWOJ and other stakeholders for the senaitisation programme.

While assuring that the message would be effectively disseminated to traders in the market to tackle the menace of human trafficking.

End