Stakeholders Move To Stamp Out Trafficking In Persons In Southeast
By Bukar Bolori
Hard time awaits human traffickers and smugglers in the South Eastern Part of Nigeria and precisely in Anambra State as the State Government has concluded a plan to partner with the Action Against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (A-TIPSOM) project through massive sensitization and awareness in all part of the State to reduce the vulnerability of the people.
This was one of the outcomes of the public awareness programme titled“ STOP TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS AND DISCOURAGE IRREGULAR MIGRATION”, attended by the Wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Dr. (Mrs.) Nonye Soludo, members of the State Executive Council, and Representatives of the Civil Society organisations among others, in Awka, on prevention organized by the A-TIPSOM project being implemented by the FIIAPP with funding from the European Union, for stakeholders in Anambra State.
There was also a Launch of “School Agent”, which took place as a significant part of the event with representatives from various major stakeholders from the state’s Education Sector.
Welcome address was given by the NACTAL Legal Adviser Mrs. Enwelim Ogechukwu during which she welcomed all participants to the event and encouraged all present for more collaboration with NACTAL and NAPTIP in the fight against irregular migration.
In her speech shortly before declaring open the programme, Mrs. Soludo expressed happiness over the presence of A-TIPSOM in the state which according to her was a major boost to the fight against human trafficking and smuggling of migrants in the state.
While reminding the participants about her passion for the project, the Anambra State First Lady promised that the government will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders in the fight against Trafficking in the state and beyond.
The Team Leader of A-TIPSOM Nigeria Mr. Federico Millan, who was represented by the Senior Project Officer, Joseph Sanwo thanked the wife of the State Government for her efforts at ensuring that TIPSOM is stamped out of Anambra state.
He informed the gathering that the A -TIPSOM Project is funded by the European Union and implemented by FIIAPP to reduce the rate of TIPSOM in Nigeria by supporting the efforts of the Government through the major beneficiaries of the project.
A presentation on the scope of human trafficking with emphasis on the elements namely the Acts, Means, and Purpose of Human Trafficking was given by Mr. Omotosho Bello while the state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Mrs. Ify Obinabo, presented materials and sensitization items to the Students.
Highpoint of the highly successful event was the formal inauguration of the School Agents whose duties include educating their peers on the dangers of human trafficking and irregular migration among other functions.
Two students each from various schools present were administered the inauguration protocol.
Dignitaries at the prpgramme held at Finotel Hotel Awka, Anambra State include the State Commander of NAPTIP Ibadin Judith Chukwu represented by the Head of Public Enlightenment Victoria Anigbogu, The Commissioner of Youth and Development Mr. Patrick Agha Mbah represented by Udeh Chibuzor Micheal The Executive Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development, Dept Corp Commander Obasi Okonkwo FRSC Awka, NACTAL Legal Adviser Mrs. Enwelim Ogechukwu (Esq.), Head of Unit Anti Human Trafficking/Irregular Migration/Gender Based Violence NSCDC Anambra State Command Nwufoh Ebere, State Coordinator of NACTAL Miss. Eucharia Onyemaobi and over 50 students from different schools in Anambra State.
