Ogun intensifies campaign against human trafficking

In commemoration of the 2026 World Day Against Human Trafficking, the Ogun State Government in collaboration with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, ICMPD, has embarked on an awareness campaign to sensitise the general public about the inherent danger of human trafficking and the need to embrace safe means of migration.

DAILY POST reports that the public sensitization and road walk aimed at informing the public about the danger of not being properly guided before embarking on any international journey.

Chairman of  the State Task Force on Human Trafficking who also doubles as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ogun State, Mr Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN, reaffirmed the commitment of the Abiodun-led administration to eradicating human trafficking through sustained public enlightenment, strategic partnerships and strengthened institutional support.

Ogungbade represented by the Coordinator of the  State Task Force on Human Trafficking, Mr Akolawole Soremi, described human trafficking as a crime driven by deception and exploitation, stressing that tackling the menace required collective efforts of government, security agencies, development partners, traditional institutions, religious organizations and members of the public.

He maintained that vigilance should be the watchword, stressing that while migration remained a legitimate right, it must be undertaken through safe, legal and properly documented channels.

“There is nothing wrong with travelling in search of better opportunities, but people must migrate the right way. Before embarking on any journey, they should know where they are going, understand the purpose of the trip, verify those receiving them and ensure they possess the appropriate travel documents,” he said.

Also speaking, the Ogun State Commander of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, Mrs Abosede Jimoh, described human trafficking as a grave violation of human rights that required sustained collaboration among government, security agencies, development partners and members of the public.

She urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid deceptive migration offers and promptly report suspected trafficking cases to the appropriate authorities, assuring that the Agency would continue to strengthen enforcement, victim protection, prosecution of offenders and public enlightenment across the State.

Meanwhile, the State Coordinator of the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour, NACTAL, Mrs Taiwo Adebajo described trafficking as a crime built on deception and exploitation, urging parents to verify every opportunity before giving consent and encouraging members of the public to promptly report suspected cases for timely intervention.

She further warned parents and guardians against entrusting their children to strangers who would hide under the shade of getting them educated or facilitating a better life for them.

Also, a Director in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Mary Akinola, described education as one of the strongest tools for preventing human trafficking, adding that the Ministry would continue to collaborate other stakeholders to sensitise pupils, students, teachers and parents on the dangers of child trafficking and irregular migration.

Speaking on behalf of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, ICMPD, Mr Samuel Okechukwu, said that ICMPD, in collaboration with NAPTIP and the Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, had proposed to implement the Anti-Trafficking Education and Empowerment Project in 50 secondary schools across State through the establishment of Anti-Trafficking Vanguard Clubs.

On his part, a representative of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mr Abiola Folorunsho, said the Ministry had continued to collaborate with relevant agencies and stakeholders to sensitise residents, rescue victims and support the prosecution of traffickers, advising parents and guardians to prioritise the education and welfare of their children.