By our Reporter
The Ogun State Government through the State’s Taskforce against Human Trafficking, with support of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has collaborated with the International Ibero—America Foundation for Administration and Public Policies (FIIAPP) to organize a 3—day sensitisation programme on the dangers and consequences of human trafficking, irregular migration, and smuggling of migrants.
The event, which commenced with a Stakeholder’s Forum at the Valley View Auditorium, Government House, Abeokuta on May 18, 2022, witnessed the presence of Stakeholders discussing the issues of human trafficking; triggers, ills, and the way forward. In an opening remark by the Chairman of Ogun State Taskforce against Human Trafficking, Mr. Oluwasina Ogungbade SAN, who also doubled as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, the sensitisation became imminent owing to the rising cases of human trafficking in Ogun State in recent times. According to Ogungbade, the State Government remains resolute not only in preventive mechanisms but to continue ensure the coordinated use of crime prevention and law enforcement resources to punish the perpetrators of human trafficking and smuggling of migrants.
The Head of Education, Media and Publicity for the Taskforce, Akolawole Shoremi, in his welcome address, lamented that the scourge of human trafficking has become a worrisome development largely due to economic instability, unemployment, and the unending desire to seek a greener pasture. “The business of human trafficking has unfortunately taken several dimensions to remain one of the most life-destroying organized crime as it does not only kill victim’s dreams but also damages the very essence of humanity,” Shoremi stated.
The Stakeholder’s Forum also featured a Panel Session led by the Lagos Zonal Commander for NAPTIP, Mrs. Comfort Agboko while the Towulade of Akinale, Oba (Dr.) Olufemi Ogunleye, and the Desk Officer for the State’s National Orientation Agency, Mr. Adeleke Osilana, appeared as co-panelists. Other dignitaries at the Forum were the Senior Project Officer for FIIAPP, Mr. Sanwo Joseph; Deputy Commander Operations for the Federal Road Safety Corps, DCC AS Ogungbemi; the Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, CA Isah; the State Director for the National Orientation Agency, Mr. Christopher Obadina; the Deputy Coordinator for National Youth Service Corps; the Director for Youth Department, Ministry of Youth & Sports, Mr. Adetokunbo Salami; the State Chairman of National Youth Council of Nigeria, Com. Abdul-Jabar Ayelaagbe; the National Secretary for the Committee for Defence of Human Rights, Com. Yinka Folarin and others.
The sensitisation programme continued with a Road Walk at Ijebu Ode Local Government on Thursday May 19, 2022, with an advocacy visit to the Olisa of Ijebu Ode, Oba Rasheed Adeoye Adesanya FCA, and the Local Government Council where Hon. Bola Adesanya, the Local Government Secretary, received the delegation. On Friday May 20, 2022, the sensitisation commenced with a visitation to the Egba Traditional Council where the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, HRM Oba (Dr.) Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo CFR, alongside tens of renowned Royal Fathers received the delegation.
The sensitisation event came to an an advocacy visit to the former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR, who commended the delegation with assurances of his availability at all times towards the fight against the scourge of human trafficking.
The 3—day sensitisation programme, organized by Ogun State Taskforce against Human Trafficking in partnership with the International Ibero-America Foundation for Administration and Public Policies (FIIAPP) was sponsored by the European Union under its Action Against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (ATIPSOM) project.
