By Amaka Isikala
The Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, has called for stronger community action against human trafficking, warning residents to remain vigilant against criminal networks exploiting women, children and young people.
Onyekesi made the call on Oct. 29 at the seventh anniversary celebration of Zaram Life Foundation, held at Golden Tulip Hotel, Awka, under the theme, “From Grassroots Action to Lasting Impact: Building Communities Where Everyone Thrives.”
She described the theme as closely aligned with her Ministry’s mandate, noting that sustainable social development begins at the grassroots through deliberate efforts to protect families, empower women and young people, and support vulnerable members of society.
The commissioner commended Zaram Life Foundation for its seven years of commitment to community development, stressing that stronger partnerships between government and civil society organisations were essential to expanding social interventions and achieving lasting impact.
She acknowledged the presence of the Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor; the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba; and other dignitaries, describing their participation as a reflection of the importance of collective action in advancing community development.
Raising concerns over human trafficking, Onyekesi warned that unsuspecting individuals were increasingly exposed to exploitation through deceptive promises of lucrative jobs, football opportunities and better living conditions in major cities, including Lagos and Abuja, as well as overseas.
She explained that victims could be subjected to prostitution, forced labour and domestic servitude, while some were exploited through illegal baby factories where infants were sold under the guise of adoption.
The commissioner emphasised that trafficking affects people across different age groups and genders, including women, girls, boys and young men. She therefore urged parents and guardians to thoroughly verify employment offers, travel arrangements and other opportunities before allowing their children or wards to leave home.
She called on traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to remain alert and report suspicious activities promptly to the Police, the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare in Awka or the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
Onyekesi appealed to the public to stop stigmatising trafficking survivors, noting that victims needed compassion, rehabilitation and sustained community support to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.
“Anambra people are known for industry, not for selling their own blood,” she declared, urging residents to unite against trafficking and deny criminal networks the opportunity to exploit vulnerable people in their communities.
She reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with Zaram Life Foundation and other stakeholders to strengthen social protection and ensure that grassroots interventions deliver meaningful benefits.
The commissioner appreciated Governor Chukwuma Soludo, for his leadership and support for programmes aimed at promoting social welfare and community development.
She congratulated Zaram Life Foundation on its seventh anniversary and wished the organisation greater success in its efforts to build safer, more inclusive and thriving communities.
Amaka Isikala is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
#StopHumanTrafficking #ProtectTheVulnerable #AnambraIsRising
