Lagos: A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Devatop Centre for Africa Development, has urged deeper collaboration with corporate organisations to protect victims of human trafficking for a safer and more equitable society. The Group Board Chairman of the NGO, Dr. Benson Olugbuo, made the call at the official launch of TALKAM Corporate Supporters Forum on Tuesday in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the forum has the theme: ‘Harnessing Corporate Social Responsibility for Human Rights and Community Empowerment’. Olugbuo stated that deeper collaboration would disrupt human trafficking, gender-based violence, online exploitation, and other forms of abuse, while supporting survivors and empowering vulnerable communities. He emphasized that the assembly of corporate organisations and business leaders is dedicated to strengthening community resilience and advancing human rights through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
‘TALKAM Initiative is a comprehensive civic-tech and victim support ecosystem, with a footprint across the 36 states in Nigeria and in 38 countries, reaching over 10.5 million citizens through awareness and empowerment campaigns,’ Olugbuo explained. He highlighted the hope for a safer community through joint efforts with corporate organisations, stressing the importance of empowering communities and protecting victims.
Founded in 2015, the centre is a leading civic tech and human rights organisation collaborating with civil society, the private sector, and government. Since 2020, it has provided essential services like counseling, legal aid, and job training for trafficking and abuse victims. Olugbuo revealed that the group had connected over 1,200 victims to essential services across Nigeria and five neighboring African countries.
The flagship TALKAM Human Rights Programme, powered by the TALKAM App web platform and a digital case management system, was also discussed. Olugbuo called for corporate organisations to engage in CSR efforts to make a significant impact on victim protection and community uplift.
The forum also featured survivor stories, illustrating the impact of the TALKAM Initiative. Aisha, a 16-year-old girl trafficked into domestic servitude, was rescued and now thrives in a vocational programme supported by Devatop. Similarly, Emeka, a 22-year-old forced into online labour exploitation, found help through a TALKAM campaign, leading to the dismantling of a scam ring.
Mrs. Cynthia Oghe, Secretary of Devatop Board of Trustees, highlighted the importance of CSR in promoting human rights and community empowerment. Oghe urged businesses to develop purpose-driven partnerships, transforming CSR into life-saving initiatives. She also championed the TALKAM Initiative as a tool for supporting victim care and advocacy.
The initiative has gained recognition and partnerships with organisations such as the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations, BMW Group, Freedom Fund, the United States Government, USAID/Palladium Group, and the United States of America Embassy in Nigeria.