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Nigerian Tribune receives NAPTIP’s award of recognition

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2 years ago

Nigerian Tribune Newspaper has received an award of recognition from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons(NAPTIP) for its effort in reporting the agency’s activity over the last 20 years.

The Director General of NAPTIP, Prof Fatima Waziri-Azi, in her welcome address at the 20th Anniversary and Award ceremony said the day is a very special day not just for NAPTIP and Nigeria but for everyone invested in ensuring human trafficking is controlled and victims are secured across the world.

While speaking further, the DG said the journey has been 20 years of growth, for NAPTIP in an ever-changing world.

“Our journey has been one of immense determination, resilience, and hope. In 20 years, we have seen the crime of human trafficking evolve in terms of the enormity, trends and patterns.

“However, in the face of such adversity, we have found strength in collaboration and our collective spirit and determination has brought us this far.”

“We have witnessed the incredible power of cooperation and the unwavering dedication of countless individuals who have come together to combat the injustice of human trafficking.”

“Today we pay tribute to each and every person and we celebrate the numerous lives that have been transformed, the futures that have been rewritten, and the hope that has been restored.” She said.

She also extended her heartfelt gratitude to her predecessors who dared to imagine a better world and had the vision, and courage to pioneer some initiatives that have been built upon over the years which has positioned NAPTIP where it is today.

“The endeavor of our implementing partners, the donor community, members of the diplomatic corp, civil society organizations, the academia, our sister law enforcement agencies, the Media, all stakeholders and supporters, thank you for the many lives your actions have helped support and sustain.”

“It is a testament to the power of collective action, reminding us that when we stand together, united in our purpose and driven by a common passion, there is no challenge too great to overcome. May life be kind to you, always,” she added

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs Disaster Management and Social Development, Dr Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, said that as a Ministry mandated by the Federal Government of Nigeria to supervise the Agency, they are very proud of the achievements of the Agency within these 20 years

“We congratulate the Management and personnel of the Agency for the great strides. NAPTIP, I must say at this point, has become the pride of Nigeria which we are very proud to market to other countries.”

Sani-Gwarzo, who was represented by the Deputy Director of Humanitarian, Charles Anielo, disclosed many countries now visit Nigeria regularly to understudy the NAPTIP model with a view to establishing the same in their countries.

He said: “Just recently, NAPTIP played host to delegation from The Republic of Niger, Cote d Ivoire and The Gambia who visited Nigeria to further strengthen the Bi- Lateral agreement and Memorandum of Understanding signed between our countries between November 2021 and June 2022.”

“These collaborations have helped enhance the prevention, suppression and punishment of trafficking in persons in the West African sub-region.”

“We are here today to celebrate modest accomplishment in the midst of myriad challenges; to celebrate 20 years of hard work; celebrate love and friendship; institutions, regional bodies, Development partners and individuals that have supported the government and people of Nigeria in this tough task of fighting human trafficking.”

“This award you are receiving today is just a token of appreciation to reciprocate the love and understanding shown to us. What we have achieved in these 20 years could not have happened without you.”

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