...SCORES NAPTIP HIGH
The fight against Human Trafficking has gained momentum as
the wife of the Vice President, Her Excellency, Dolapo Osinbajo, has issued a
stern warning to traffickers in the country to desist from the illicit trade
saying that Nigerian children are not for sale.
Mrs. Osinbajo who lauded the Management of the National
Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for its modest
achievements in the areas of massive Enlightenment, arrest, Investigation,
Prosecution as well as Rehabilitation of victims of human trafficking in the
country, called on the organized Private Sector to join hands with the Agency
in curbing the menace.
She stated this in Abuja while commissioning the re-modelled
Shelter of the Agency as part of the activities lined up in commemoration of
the 2019 World Day Against Human Trafficking.
It would be recalled that NAPTIP had lined up a series of
activities to mark 2019 World Day Against Human Trafficking which included a
Press Conference, Jumat Service at the
National Mosque, Walk Against Human Trafficking and Novelty Match at the
Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, Interdenominational Church Service at the St
Mathew Anglican Church, Maitama and a Public Lecture at the Sheraton Hotel,
Abuja.
Speaking shortly before commissioning the Shelter Complex,
Mrs. Osinbajo described sheltering as a key component in the fight against
human trafficking adding that it provides stability and helps to ensure
adequate reception for survivors.
She said, “Our
Children are not for sale, they are precious and special to us. Let us all join
hands to condemn the activities of the human traffickers in our midst. The
sensitization must go down to the grassroots in all our local languages so that
people can easily understand the message and become less vulnerable”, she said.
Earlier
in her welcome address, the Director General of NAPTIP, Dame Julie Okah –
Donli, said, “It is an acceptable fact
that the crime of human trafficking has become a global concern as it has
recently been rated as the third largest illicit trade after arms and drugs
smuggling. Therefore, the international community has realized the need to tame
the ugly trend with a concerted approach through various international
instruments, protocols and treaties.
“ As a complimentary effort, the urgency to
raise awareness on the ills of this crime and its consequential implication on
the society became very paramount, necessitating the United Nations dedicating
every 30th of July for global acknowledgement of all activities
geared towards combating the crime of human trafficking and giving a voice to
the survivors.
“ Nigeria as a signatory to the Human
Trafficking Protocol has consistently participated in the celebration of the
day. However, the need to introduce a paradigm shift to the celebration became
very imperative such that survivors of the crime are accorded a special place
in the programme of activities to avail them hope and reassurance against the
traumatic and horrendous experiences they may have undergone in the hands of
their traffickers, hence the essence of this unique gathering of eminent
individuals including Her Excellency, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo and other important
Guests here present”
“As the 2019 celebration theme implies “Human
Trafficking - Call Your Government To Action”, it suffices to say that the Nigerian
government has demonstrated its commitment to combat the hydra-headed crime
through various legislations, policies and budgetary provision within available
resources.
“Relevant Non-Governmental Organizations such
as WOTCLEF, IDIA RENNAISSANCE, MeCAHT etc have also made enormous contributions
to complement governments efforts. However, there is need for the organized
private sector to embrace this cause and extend their assistance towards
providing a holistic rehabilitation support to survivors of human trafficking.
I assure everybody here present that, my team and I will not leave any stone
unturned to ensure active participation of Organized the Private Sector as an
integral part of the society in the fight against human trafficking”, the
NAPTIP boss stated.
In their speeches, some Hounorable members of the National
Assembly present at the ceremony, unanimously commended the dynamic leadership
role of the NAPTIP Director General, Dame Julie Okah – Donli and promised to ensure
improved allocation to the Agency in the
next fiscal year.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included Chairman House, House
Committee on Science and Technology, Hon. Beni Lar, Deputy Chief Whip of the
House of Representative, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Deputy Chairman, House
Committee on Human Rights, Hon. Simon Karu, Hon Blessing Onoh, Deputy Chairman,
House Committee on FCT and Hon, Perter, Akpatason. They all gave strong
messages against Human Trafficking in their various dialects,
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