The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has engaged stakeholders in Edo on the implementation of the Schools Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project (STEAP).
The engagement was done in partnership with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD),
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that STEAP initiative is a collaborative effort between NAPTIP and ICMPD and is being funded by the kingdom of Netherland.
The project, which is being piloted in Edo will be executed in 250 schools across the five benefiting states, namely, Edo, Delta, Ogun, Benue and Enugu.
NAN reports that a stakeholders’ workshop was held for the validation of the baseline assessment report on human trafficking in Edo, which is part of STEAP’s implementation.
The Director-General of NAPTIP, Dr Fatima Wazir-Azi, said that there was a need to close existing gaps in human trafficking efforts.
Represented by the agency’s Director of Intelligence, Research and Programme Development, Mr Josiah Emerole, she said the essence of STEAP was to deepen the fight against human trafficking as well as catch the students young at the school level.
“The assessment was for us to understand the knowledge base of the schools, students, teachers and the people within the communities.
” The officials of the government involved in the fight against human trafficking and other strata of the society are playing one role or the other in human trafficking”.
Also speaking, Head of West Africa Region, ICMPD, Mojisola Sodeinde, represented by Rhoda Dia-Johnson, STEAP Manager, said with over 75 per cent of trafficked victims in West Africa being minors, the STEAP project was crucial in schools.
She said that the baseline assessment report was being validated to serve as a blueprint that would guide strategies and actions in combating human trafficking in the coming years.
“It reflects the real and pressing needs of our communities, and its validation is crucial for ensuring our interventions are appropriately targeted and effectively implemented.
Mr Oluwole Uzzi, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Edo, said that the STEAP initiative would help students to recognise the signs of trafficking, protect themselves as well as report suspicious activity.
Represented by Mrs Aikefe Aigbavboa, the Permanent Secretary, Edo Ministry of Justice, Uzzi said that schools should be sanctuaries of safety and learning not breeding grounds for exploitation and social vices.
“Together, education advocacy and policy makers can create a ripple effect of change and ensure the safety of our children within the very institution that shapes their life. ”
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The Edo Commissioner for Education, Dr Joan Oviawe, commended the implementing partners of STEAP initiative, noting that it would strengthen the state government’s anti-human trafficking activities.
Represented by Mrs Ero Ugiagbe, the Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Education, Oviawe said that the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBEST) had a component that focuses on inculcating good values in students.
She assured of the ministry’s active support in the implementation of the project, expressing optimism that it would achieve its aim of reducing trafficking in persons, especially minors in the state. (NAN)
