National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons train principals, educators in bid to stem human trafficking

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), on Wednesday organized a seminar for School Principals and other stakeholders in Ogun State to intensify efforts in combating human trafficking across the schools.

Penpushing reports that the training was organized in collaboration with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), and the Ogun State government held in Abeokuta.

The two-day capacity-building workshop also involved participation of coordinators of Anti-Trafficking Vanguard Clubs in Ogun State, and aimed to equip educators with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to identify and prevent human trafficking in schools.

Penpushing further reports that the Project Manager International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), Rhoda Dia-Johnson in his opening address, observed that news headlines continued to remind them of how school children fall victim to human trafficking.

The Development boss explained that the workshop was part of the School Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project (STEAP), funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, to empower young school children to become informed, protected, and proactive citizens.

Penpushing also reports that she pointed out that human trafficking has turned out a grave issue affecting millions globally, with children and young people among the most at risk.

The Project Manager explained that schools are uniquely positioned to be part of the solution, thereby enhancing school leaders’ understanding of trafficking, enabling them to recognise warning signs and explore key resources.

‘International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) launched Sensitisation and Capacity Building Training for school principals and coordinators of Anti-Trafficking Vanguard Clubs by NAPTIP under the STEAP project’, she said.

‘As principals and Vanguard coordinators, you are not just educators, you are frontline defenders of children’s rights.  You are custodians of safe learning environments where signs of exploitation can be identified, where trust can be nurtured, and where children find the support, they need to speak up”, Dia-Johnson added

‘The School Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project (STEAP), a project designed not only to educate but to empower young school children to become informed, protected, and proactive citizens’, she stated.

Penpushing reports that the Commissioner for Education in Ogun, Hon. Abayomi Arigbabu, in his remarks assured that the Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology is in full support of aligning with global efforts to combat trafficking in persons.

The Commissioner represented by the Director of Education Support Service, Akinola Okereafo, pointed out that Ogun State has begun integrating Safe School Child Protection Policies and Psychosocial Support Frameworks into its education system.

Penpushing further reports that Arigbabu affirmed that school remains the first line of defence, emphasizing that schools are not only centres of learning but incubators of values, identity, and resilience.

The Commissioner admonished Education Managers and Principal Teachers to often observe signs of abuse, vulnerable behavioural changes that could indicate that a child is at risk.

‘Human Trafficking breaks families, and undermines National Development. As Education Manager Leaders, we have a sacred duty not just to inform, but to protect and empower the Learners at our watch”.

‘The school remains the first line of defence; schools are not only centres of learning but incubators of values, identity, and resilience. Education Managers, Principal Teachers are often the first adults outside the home, to observe signs of abuse, vulnerable behavioural changes that could indicate a child at risk”.

‘The Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology is fully aligned with global efforts to combat Trafficking in Persons. We have begun integrating Safe School Child Protection Policies, and Psychosocial Support Frameworks into our education. The Ministry is ready for Collaborative Commitment to reduce to the minimum, if not eradicate human trafficking in all spheres of the State”

Penpushing also reports that the Director General of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP),Hajia Binta Adamu Bello, while speaking explained that human trafficking is a matter that affects everyone.

The agency boss represented by Director Research and Program Development, Mr. Josiah Emerole, noted that human trafficking remains organised crime pointing out that Ogun State is one of the endemic states when it comes to human trafficking.

Penpushing reports that the Director General called on the state government to help the fight more by making and implementing policies to combat human trafficking, particularly in border areas.

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