Edo: The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on Wednesday inaugurated Anti-Trafficking Vanguards in two secondary schools in Edo to step up efforts to combat human trafficking. The initiative took place in collaboration with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) under the ‘School in the Schools Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project’ (STEAP).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the project is supported by the Kingdom of Netherlands and commenced in Urora Secondary School and Bethel Secondary School located in Aduwawa, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area. At the inauguration event held in Urora Secondary School, Mr. Sam Offiah, the Benin Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, highlighted that 30 students from both junior and senior secondary levels in each school were selected to serve as anti-trafficking ambassadors.
Offiah emphasized the prevalence of human trafficking, noting its impact on school-aged children. The vanguards aim to educate peers and extend awareness campaigns to homes and communities. He mentioned that these schools are part of the initial phase of the project, which includes 50 schools, with 30 students chosen as advocates to combat trafficking. The initiative is further supported by NAPTIP and ICMPD, with funding from the Government of the Netherlands.
Mr. Elvis Ederibhalo, ICMPD Project Officer for STEAP in Edo, pointed out the vulnerability of students to traffickers who prey on their innocence. His remarks emphasized the importance of educating students about their rights and resisting traffickers. Mrs. Mercy Imasuen-Irabor, representing the Edo Ministry of Education, praised the collaboration as a sustainable method for safeguarding children. She encouraged students to share their knowledge within their communities.