By Chinelo Okeke
A coalition of government agencies, security organisations and civil society groups has intensified efforts to combat human trafficking in Anambra State through a public awareness campaign held in Awka.
The campaign, organised on August 1, at Ekwueme Square, Awka, brought together the Federation of International Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Anambra State Branch, the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), and several other civil society organisations.
The event, organised to commemorate the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, was themed “Trapped Behind the Scam.” As part of the programme, participants embarked on a sensitisation walk to major locations across Awka, including Aroma Junction and several motor parks, where they educated residents, commercial drivers and commuters on the dangers and warning signs of human trafficking. They also encouraged the public to report suspicious activities, reinforcing the message: “If you see something, say something.”
Speaking during the event, the Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Esther Chinyere Onyekesi, described proceeds from human trafficking as “blood money” and urged residents to reject all forms of trafficking and exploitation.
Chairperson of FIDA Nigeria, Anambra State Branch, Mrs. Amara Muojeke, warned that offenders risk severe penalties under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Act and the Anambra State Child Rights Law of 2004. She condemned the practice of using underage children as domestic workers, urging parents to have only the number of children they can adequately care for and educate.
Mrs. Muojeke further noted that the Universal Basic Education Act guarantees every child’s right to education up to Junior Secondary School (JSS 3), stressing that denying children this opportunity exposes them to exploitation.
Representing NACTAL, Miss. Eucharia Onyemaobi said, the awareness campaign became necessary due to the increasing cases of human trafficking in the state. She described human trafficking as a global menace and cautioned young people against desperation for quick wealth, warning that many victims are lured through fraudulent social media schemes.
According to her, organisations such as the Davina Foundation, the Association of Orphans and Vulnerable Children, and other non-governmental organisations are actively supporting NACTAL’s campaign against trafficking.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Lands, Mrs. Nkiru Mokwe, said sustained public enlightenment is essential to winning the fight against human trafficking and creating a safer society.
Similarly, the Head of Unit, Anti-Human Trafficking, NSCDC Anambra State Command, DOC Ebere Nwufoh, urged members of the public to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to online scams and deceptive offers often used by traffickers to lure unsuspecting victims. She stressed that collective action and timely reporting of suspicious activities remain crucial to ending human trafficking in the state.
Chinelo Okeke is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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