Nov. 29, 2021
As part of an ongoing campaign against Human Trafficking across Local government and Local Council Areas across Lagos State, the Religious Sisters of Charity (RSC), a religious congregation of women dedicated to working with the poor, vulnerable and marginalised in collaboration with the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) and the Rights and Welfare of Traumatised Wives and Youths Initiative (RAWTWAYI) have urged citizens to be alert and report any suspected case of human trafficking.
The groups at a one-day seminar in Amuwo Odofin Local Government area also called for more collaboration to curb the menace.
The seminar which had over 150 participants in attendance was themed: “Human Trafficking And Illegal Migration : The Role of Community and Local Government”.
Speaking at the event, Rev. Sr. Justina Nelson, RSC Coordinator, Anti- Human Trafficking Team, said that the seminar was to sensitise the participants on the ills and operations of human traffickers.
“Our people must be aware of the dangers of human trafficking and educate their friends and families too, they must resist any offer of unverified jobs abroad .
“They must also report suspicious cases of human trafficking to relevant authorities to curb or eradicate the menace,” she said.
Nelson added that the programme, which also had support from some other organisations, was organised to also equip the participants to become anti-trafficking lobbyists.
The collaborating organisers included the Justice Development And Peace Commission (JDPC) , Holy Family Catholic Church, Festac Town and Rights and Welfare of Traumatized Wives and Youths Initiatives (RAWTWAYI)
According to her, traffickers are not always strangers but are most times those familiar to the victim or family as also close friends and relatives offer to assist our children to get greener pastures abroad but end up trafficking them.
The Rev. Sister said that the fight against human trafficking can only be won when those at the grassroots were also sensitised to support law enforcement agencies and various NGOs .
She noted that the awareness program on human Trafficking began in 2008, and “this year we were able to get sponsorship from Misean Cara, a mission support from Ireland, in order to break the chain of human trafficking.
Speaking earlier, Mrs. Rosemary Ndulue, Public Enlightenment Information Officer, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), in her lecture, said that countries could be involved in human trafficking either as a source, transit or destination country.
According to Ndulue, people get involved in human trafficking as a result of poverty, ignorance, greed, and/or moral depravity on the part of parents, guardians as well as other factors.
She said that NAPTIP, as an agency saddled with the responsibility of fighting trafficking in persons, would continue to work at reducing the menace.
“The contribution of everyone to the fight the menace will in turn guarantee a better future for us and especially our women and children who are most vulnerable to trafficking,” Ndulue said.
Also, Miss Theresa Igata , Justice Development And Peace Commission (JDPC) Secretary, enjoined the participants to volunteer to work with NGOs in curbing human trafficking.
she noted that no sustainable progress can be made against human trafficking without the direct involvement of local institutions, traditional and religious leaders in the identification of traffickers.
Barr. Ada Uyanuwe of RAWTWAYI advised participants to teach their children and family members good moral values.
“Local governments being closer to the people can do more in collaborating with relevant NGOs, CSOs, CBOs, Traditional rulers, religious bodies amongst others, while also working with the state government”, she added.
Mr Ralph Egunjobi, a representative of NIREC, enjoined governments to re- introduce religious studies in schools to help restore morality to children and in turn correct societal ills .
“As parents and guardians, we should embrace family planning and bear only children that we can cater to, so that when anyone offers to take our children away , we can resist it,” she said.
RSC has sensitised no fewer than 13,000 people across Nigeria this year (2021).
The seminar had representatives from the Community Development Council (CDC); Community Development Association (CDA); Nigeria Inter Religious Council (NIREC) and Community Leaders Association (CLA); market women association, artisans amongst others.
