NAWOJ, POWA, NAPTIP decry rise in human trafficking, illegal migration activities in Ogun

Worried by the rise in human trafficking and illegal migration, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), on Wednesday, decried the menace and proffered solutions on how to reduce it.

NAWOJ, in collaboration with POWA organized a sensitisation program on human trafficking and irregular migration held at Lafenwa market, Abeokuta, and was equally joined by NAPTIP to educate residents on the negatives associated with the identified challenges.

The theme of the programme was “Say No to Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration.”

Speaking at the event held at Lafenwa Market in Abeokuta, the acting State Coordinator of NAWOJ, Comrade Oluwatoyin Adegoke, said the Association was on a 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 the golden fleece.

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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 poised 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 continuously 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. 

The Chairperson of POWA, Ogun State Chapter, Mrs Olubusola Lanre-Ogunlowo, 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 the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Abosede Jimoh, lamented that the agency within the last few 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 engage in multiple sex activities and hard labour.

Jimoh disclosed that many housewives have equally fell victims of the illegal migration and human trafficking, mainly to 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 also 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 who 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 daily. It’s not a fiction. We are receiving cases like that daily, we have nine cases in court. We have prosecuted three, and we have gotten convictions 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 sensitisation programme.

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

Sidikatu added that dismissing a child’s progress simply because wages have been paid is unacceptable and morally wrong.

“With this enlightenment, we pray it will sink into our hearts and guide our actions,” she concluded.