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, regular and ideal means of migration.
The awareness campaign, which is in commemoration of the 2026 World Day Against Human Trafficking cut across major roads within the Abeokuta metropolis and brought together Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), security organisations, development partners and civil society organisations with the sole aim of informing the public about the danger of not being properly guided before embarking on any international journey.
Speaking during the campaign, the Chairman of Ogun State Task Force on Human Trafficking who also doubles as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ogun State, Mr. Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN, represented by the Coordinator of the Ogun State Task Force on Human Trafficking, Mr. Akolawole Soremi, reaffirmed the commitment of the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration to eradicating human trafficking through sustained public enlightenment, strategic partnerships and strengthened institutional support.
Mr. Ogungbade, 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 organisations and members of the public, stressing that vigilance should be the watchword as any cases of child or human trafficking should be promptly reported to relevant authorities
He added 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. Bosede 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.
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 with the Ogun State Task Force on Human Trafficking and other stakeholders to sensitise pupils, students, teachers and parents on the dangers of child trafficking and irregular migration, advising parents to maintain close contact with schools and properly monitor their children’s activities.
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, stressing that every migration process should be lawful, safe and properly documented.
The campaign featured a road walk and public sensitisation, with participants displaying advocacy messages, encouraging residents to “Speak Out Now” against human trafficking and promptly report suspected cases through the appropriate channels.
