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Tag: Human trafficking

  • Edo to enact laws against human trafficking

    Edo to enact laws against human trafficking

    The Edo State Government has disclosed plans to enact laws against human trafficking, as part of the ongoing measures to tackle illegal migration and drastically reduce the trade in human beings.

    The state Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice and Chairperson of the Edo State Taskforce on Human Trafficking, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe, disclosed this at the flag-off of a state-wide sensitisation  workshop on human trafficking and illegal migration, held at Idogbo, the Headquarters of Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area.

    Prof. Omorogbe said, “the state government is working on a law to ensure perpetrators who aid human trafficking and illegal migration are sentenced to jail without the option of fine. All hands must be on deck to support this drive in curtailing the menace, which has damaged the reputation of the state.”

    The Edo State Taskforce on Human Trafficking is a collaboration of the state government and international agencies such as the European Union. It is aimed at rebranding the state as an investment destination with human resources potential.

    Prof. Omorogbe said instead of youths to take to illegal migration, they should rather take advantage of the state government’s initiative on job creation, as the state is already setting up technical centres for skills acquisition.

    The Enogie of Ukhiri, a community in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Bar. Godwin Aigbe, commended the state government’s efforts in organising the sensitisation workshop to enlighten youths on the dangers of human trafficking and illegal migration.

    Bar. Aigbe said “youths should take advantage of the government’s job initiative by registering on the state job portal, which will avail them better opportunities than embarking on treacherous illegal journey to Europe.”

  • Art as campaign tool against human trafficking

    Art as campaign tool against human trafficking

    Worried by the menace of human trafficking and child labour situation in the country, Next To None Initiative, a non-governmental organisation last week signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). The desire of the NGO is to engage the arts as a vehicle to drive the global campaign against trafficking in persons and other related crimes.

    The MoU signed between the Director General (NAPTIP), Julie Okah Donli and the Founder/Chairman, Board of Trustees, Next To None Initiative, Barrister Ndukwe Sam Obu, is aimed at ensuring that parties carry out public enlightenment on the ills of human trafficking through entertainment and sports.

    It will also enable the NGO to shoot a documentary and movies on the issue. The documentary is expected to be premiered on or before 12 months from the date of signing the MoU and will be shot in Nigeria and outside.

    Given the support from NAPTIP, both the documentary and films would be shot in five countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Dubai, Switzerland and some African nations. The movie shall be premiered on or before 18 months from the date of the agreement.

    Also, the agreement allows both NAPTIP and Next to None Initiative to  collaborate effectively towards getting sponsors for the project, while NAPTIP has undertaken to provide necessary assistance towards procuring travel documents for the movie and documentary crew.

    Aside documentary and movie, there would also be novelty match that will feature renowned celebrities in sports and the creative industries. Speaking on the reasons for chosing entertainment and sport as vehicles for the campaign, Obu noted that engaging top celebrities in the entertainment industry will draw greater attention of the youths.

    According to him, the entire idea was to use the games youths identify with most to preach the gospel against human trafficking.

    “You know the way it is; if you have a Professor coming from the Oxford University to deliver a lecture on human trafficking in Nigeria, I can bet you that not even the bread seller in the street will know about it. But if popular musicians and footballers such as Shakira, Christian Ronaldo or Lionel Messi are coming to play, they will be enthusiastic to and listen or watch them perform,” he said.

    Consequently, the NGO is already in partnering relevant Ministries, agencies as well as some Nollywood starsthat have been part of their activities over the years.

    He believed that creating opportunity for the youth to interface with successful players in the entertainment industry will bring them to the understanding of the evils of prostitution, and the fact that with hard work, they stand greater chance to succeed in Nigeria.

    Obu described as worrisome, some revelations about modern day slavery and concluded that the only way out for Nigerian youths who are scattered abroad is to catch them through the games they love most.

    “We strongly believe that there is no other way and manner we can achieve taking this message to the global stage than through the medium of entertainment. Human trafficking has become so serious that world media outfits now run documentary on it. Even world leaders condemn the trend. So, why would they not be interested in watching films or documentary on it coming for the first time from Africa?

    “We have structured the documentary to represent the social strater and institutions. We intend to bring on board, representatives of the three  arms of government as well as some state governors to lend their voice to the project.”

    And to reach the target audience, Barrister Obu assured effort would not be concentrated at major cities. according to him, remote towns, especially those notorious for housing commercial sex workers, as well as various tertiaryinstitutions and secondary schools across the country would be visited to educate them on the issue.

    Next to None Initiative was the recipient of NAPTEP Hero’s about three months ago, for its campaign against trafficking in persons. In its 10 years of existence, it has also received several other awards for its committment to the course of combatting the problem of trafficking in persons.

    To finance the project, a legal practitioner, movie producer and a motivational speaker, Obu said he had enjoyed the support of good-minded organizations and individuals in previous projects, and this, in view of its importance to human dignity and existence, will not be an exception.

    “One thing about charity work is that you must frist of all, have passion for what you are doing. Secondly, when people see how serious you are in what you are doing, there is no other reason to fear how things will be done.

    Following the MOU signed on October 3 with NAPTIP, over 15 people \ have indicated interest, not just for sponsorship through donations of equipment needed to shoot the films.

    “We also have volunteers who desire to be part of the project. Everybody, including my relations living abroad, will contribute their quota to see that we achieve success, and by the time we start reaching out to people, we are optimistic we get more hands.

    Donations can come through donation of vehicles for movements, even microphone or any other thing that will add value to what we are doing. As contained in the agreement ealier signed, NAPTEP, a very formidable agency, will also join hand with us.  I am also sure that the international commitee, knowing that what we are doing is first of its kind in Africa, will definitely support us.

    “Locally, we are going to reach out to churches, institutions and banks for support, but since it is an 18-month project with effect from this October, we don’t expect to gather finances before we start.

    “In the area of documentary, I don’t need to be sponsored to go to a nearby school to shoot a documentary. All we need do is let the principal or head of the institution know what we want to do with the school.”

    Obu said the proceeds from the sales of documentary or movie would be channeled to helping victims of trafficking.

    He wondered why Africans should be championing trafficking of fellow Africans or connives with European counterparts to sell their sisters and brothers. These questions and several others, he said, would be highlighted in the movie.

  • Two Nigerians arrested for human trafficking in South Africa

    Two Nigerians have been arrested for alleged human trafficking in South Africa.

    Four women, believed to have trafficked by the suspects have been rescued at a house in Randburg, north of Johannesburg.

    Police said the four women, aged between 20 and 30 years confirmed that they had been raped and forced to take semi-nude photos to be posted on a pornographic website.

    This happened just after a week where a South African woman was rescued from Malaysian sex trafficking syndicate. The 24-year-old woman from Bloemfontein was duped in an internet scam into going to Malaysia.

    The women, three from the Northern Cape and one from Riverlea in Johannesburg, said they were being held in the house against their will.

    Luyanda Longwe from the Office of the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety in the City of Johannesburg said, “They were forced to wear lingerie and pose for a website that the two suspects were running, a pornographic website.

    “The two foreign nationals were arrested and taken to the Randburg police station. The four women were rescued and taken for some social work and therapy after their traumatic event.”

  • Edo to curb human trafficking through job creation

    Edo to curb human trafficking through job creation

    Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state has said that the state government was planning to end incidences of human trafficking in the state through job creation, saying it was unfortunate that one out of every five trafficked persons were from the state.

    Speaking when he visited the headquarters of National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Abuja, Gov. Obaseki said the state will collaborate with the NDE to create jobs for the unemployed in the state through skill acquisition and training.

    Deputy Director, Information & Public Relations of the Directorate, Edmund Onwuliri said in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja that the governor was full of praises for the efforts of the NDE towards job creation and skills development for the unemployed in the country.

    While extolling the potentials and achievements of the NDE over the years, the governor said the state government decided to collaborate with the agency because “we realise you have government mandate to create jobs, you have veritable job programmes, you also have Skills Centres to drive Vocational Trainings.

    “We are also looking into the direction of agriculture, we want our people to be trained in Poultry farming, animal rearing, fishery and even food processing. Today, we cannot talk about entrepreneurship training in agriculture without considering technology. We are convinced that NDE has done a lot in these areas. It makes a lot of sense coming to you’’.

    The governor said it was unfortunate that one out of every five people involved in human trafficking is an Edo Indigene, adding that “the problem of human trafficking will be fully addressed by his administration through the provision jobs and raise the literacy level of our people through massive enlightenment.”

    Governor Obaseki further said that the problem of human trafficking is highly related to unemployment, adding that many youths are lured into prostitution in foreign lands because of lack of decent jobs in the country.

    The Governor observed that the problem militating against socio-economic development in Nigeria is not the lack of money and resources, but wastages emanating from duplication of functions, facilities and efforts.

    He added that the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has enough structures nationwide to address the problem of unemployment in any state of the federation, stressing that the “NDE has the resources, tested job programmes, good ideas and people to drive our mission’’.

    Speaking while receiving the governor, Director-General of the NDE  Dr. Nasir Ladan Mohammed, described Governor Obaseki as a very intelligent technocrat with great passion for youth employment.

    Ladan who briefed the governor on the potentials, programmes, activities, achievements and new employment initiatives of the NDE towards creating employment opportunities for the unemployed in Nigeria said that with the spread and experience of the NDE, it has become a force in Nigeria as far as job creation is concerned.

    He described the unemployment situation in the country as worrisome and said the challenge should not be left to the Federal Government alond, adding that inter- governmental and agency collaborations is one of the ways to effectively combat unemployment in the country.

    He decried the unfortunate situation where thousands of young Nigerians have lost their lives in the Sahara desert and Mediterranean Sea while trying to cross to Europe in search of jobs, adding that the NDE will soon launch a robust and formidable website which will help in generating data for the unemployed and also serve as intervention tool for labour export.

    According to him, the concept will be modelled after those of the Philippines and Bangladesh where labour exchange and diaspora in-flows contribute significantly to the economy. ‘

    He said “Nigerians will travel if they wish but it shall be with dignity because there will be governmental interactions, this will also go a long way to checkmate the menace of human trafficking’’.

    He said the Edo State office of the NDE will be directed to work out a proper framework for an effective collaboration with the State Government in employment creation.

     

     

  • Ekweremadu decries high rate of human trafficking in Nigeria

    Ekweremadu decries high rate of human trafficking in Nigeria

    The Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, on Thursday decried the high rate of human trafficking in Nigeria and called for concerted efforts to end the scourge.

    Ekweremadu made the call at an event organised by Devatop Centre for Africa Development to mark the 2017 World Day against Trafficking in Persons at the National Human Rights Commission, Abuja.

    Relying on recent statistics by the Global Slavery Index, he said the 875,500 humans trafficked per annum was worrisome.

    He said the statistics, which showed that 45.8 million people living in one form of slavery or the other in about 167 countries around the world, was frightening.

    Ekweremadu said Nigeria was a source, transit as well as destination of persons, including women and children trafficked for prostitution, forced labour, and other forms of dehumanising servitude and exploitation.

    He, therefore, called for concerted efforts by Nigerians and the international community to end the illicit trade.

    He said human trafficking syndicates were powerful and operated with the collaboration of corrupt persons in agencies entrusted with law enforcement and protection of persons across the world.

    “The World Day against Trafficking in Persons is a reminder that the war against the scourge is one we are very capable of winning.

    “It is a call to renew our resolve to not only track down and bring the perpetrators to book, but also to cut their supply chains,” Ekweremadu said.

    He said poverty among other factors, was the cause of trafficking in persons as it predisposed victims to desperation into false greener pasture, “not knowing that they are jumping from the frying pan into the fire.”

    NAN

  • Human trafficking: Woman, 41, bags five years jail term

    A state High Court in Oyo State, presided by Justice Mufutau.A. Adegbola has sentenced Victoria Oshi,41, to five years imprisonment for the procurement and sexual exploitation of three victims of human trafficking.

    In a statement made available to The Nation and signed by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic In Persons (NAPTIP) Head, Press and Public Relations Josiah Emerole, it stated that operatives of the agency had in 2010, arrested Victoria alongside her accomplice, 75 years old Peter Idowu for procurement and exploitation of two female teenagers and a 20 –year- old lady in two brothels, 007 and Born Best Hotels located in Ogbomosho, Oyo state.

    “The victims were recruited from Enugu state with the promise of being employed as sales girls in Ogbomosho, but were on arrival forced into prostitution”.

    The statement revealed that Victoria was later arraigned in court by NAPTIP on a nine count charge while Mr. Peter Idowu;  owner of the 007 hotel, faced one count charge, all under the Trafficking in Persons  (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act of 2003 (as amended in 2005)”

    “Following a trial that lasted over six years, Justice Adegbola on Wednesday, sentenced Victoria Oshi to five years imprisonment. The sentence will run from the day of judgment.

    The judge however, discharged Idowu on grounds of his age.”

  • Human trafficking proceeds hit $32b, says ECOWAS chair

    Human trafficking proceeds hit $32b, says ECOWAS chair

    • Liberian leader seeks strict policy implementation

    The proceeds of human trafficking in West Africa has risen to $32billion yearly, Chairman, Economic Community of West African States [ECOWAS] Permanent Representative and Liberia President, Ellen Sirleaf Johnson has said.

    She warned that unless member states take bold steps to implement policy measures put in place by the body, human trafficking in the sub-region will continue to increase.

    The Liberian leader spoke yesterday in Abuja during  the opening ceremony of the three-day ECOWAS Annual Technical Meeting of Member States Focal Institutions on Counter Trafficking in Persons.

    President Sirleaf Jonhson said: ‘’Despite the progress globally and in our region, trafficking remains a serious human security challenge that defies collective. endeavors, unfortunately, very few members states are hitherto, slow in taking bold actions in implementing  effective policy measures to combat and stem human trafficking.’’

    She further said it is more worrisome to note that in line with United Nations Children’s Fund is a United Nations (UNICEF) current report, it is estimated that the profit generated from human trafficking globally presently stood at $32 billion.

    Represented by the Liberia Ambassador to Nigeria, Prof. Al-Hassan Conteh, the ECOWAS chairperson urged participants to ponder on the critical questions of how member states can work together to domesticate the ECOWAS Plan of Action to win the war against human trafficking as well as how measures must be put in place to restore the lost faith and trust of the youths across the sub-regional countries in stemming a new wave of the menace.

    The Annual Technical Meeting since inauguration in 2007 has served as a useful platform to review and monitor member states implementation of the ECOWAS Plan of Action on Trafficking in Persons. Iit has its objectives of validating the new plan of action on trafficking in persons for 2017-2022, evaluate member states activities on combat of trafficking in persons for year 2015 and capacity building of the fiscal points on counter trafficking measures..

    In her Speech, the Commissioner, Social Affairs and Gender of ECOWAS, Dr. Fatima Dia Sow said this year’s meeting is even more important in view of the process initiated by the body in the past two years for the evaluation of the last plan of action and adoption of a new plan of action.

    ‘’The focal points from the member states in this gathering will be called upon to consider for valuation a new plan of action that builds on the successes of the last and emphasises both the migration linkages with human trafficking and forced labor as well as emerging issues in combating human trafficking,’’she said.

  • NAPTIP rescues 69 victims of human trafficking

    NAPTIP rescues 69 victims of human trafficking

    The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP), Kano Zone, claims to have rescued no fewer than 69 victims of human trafficking from January to date.

    The NAPTIP Zonal Commander in Kano, Mr Shehu Umar, told  the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano yesterday that 32 of the rescued are male and 37 female.

    Umar said the command had recorded no fewer than 32 cases of child labour, unlawful canal knowledge, wandering in the streets by minors, child abuse and illegal entry for greener pasture, among others.

    He said the command was able to arrest 33 suspects out of whom 23 were males, while 10 were females.

    The zonal commander also said that the command had recorded one case of internal trafficking and eight cases of external trafficking as well as secured one conviction during the period under review.

    The defendant, one Yunusa Umar, 28, was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment on April 12, without an option of fine and was ordered to also pay N1 million.

  • Human trafficking worst form of slavery, says president

    Human trafficking worst form of slavery, says president

    •NGE launches book on menace

    President Muhammadu Buhari has described human trafficking as one of the worst form of slavery known to humanity.
    He said it was unacceptable for traffickers to exploit the natural quest for employment and search for better economic opportunities by the youths in an increasingly complex and competitive world.
    The President spoke at the public presentation of the book, “Eight Evils of Human Trafficking”, authored by Steve Osuji, member of the Editorial Board of The Nation and Boniface Opute.
    Represented by the Minister for Women Affairs and Social Development Senator Aisha Alhassan, he said all hands must be on deck to arrest the plague for the country’s growth.
    Buhari expressed concern about issues that violate the rights and dignities of the citizenry and hailed efforts made by organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to compliment government’s efforts in tackling such violations.
    He said: “Human trafficking is one of the worst forms of slavery experienced in the 21st century and all hands must be on deck to unveil and totally arrest this plague for growth and development.
    “It is totally unacceptable for traffickers to exploit the natural quest for employment search for better economic opportunities by the youth, especially young girls, in an increasingly complex and competitive world.
    “Riding on the ignorance, insecurity, poor livelihood options, spirit of adventure, nativity, lack of education and skills of victims, traffickers lure unsuspecting citizens into slave-like existence, shattering their dream of a better life. Such criminal activities must be exposed and dealt with so that the rights and dignity of our people can be better protected.
    “I believe that the ‘Eight Evils of Human Trafficking’ will help to throw additional light on the style and techniques used by traffickers. This will help to create greater awareness among the populace and I believe that the Guild of Editors will help to circulate the ills and dangers of trafficking.
    “On our part, government has taken several steps to deal with the challenges of this modern form of slavery, especially as thousands of Nigerians, mostly women and girls are trafficked annually.”
    The president added that the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons was established to address the problem.
    Presenting the book, Rivers State Governor Nyeson Wike described human trafficking as one of the greatest social vices impacting negatively on the lives of citizens in Nigeria.
    He hailed the Nigeria Guild of Editors for taking the bold initiative to fight against human trafficking.
    Represented by his deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Banigo, Wike said human trafficking was a disgusting and despicable human act targeted at the poor and vulnerable in the society.
    “For us in Rivers State, security and ending all forms of criminality is the bedrock of our administration. Within few months of being sworn in, we have given assent to the Anti-kidnapping Bill.
    “The most significant aspect of this law is the introduction of stiffer penalty, including the forfeiture of assets or profits derived either directly or indirectly from kidnap operation,” he said.
    Former Anambra State Governor and chairman of the occasion Peter Obi described human trafficking as the modern slavery, adding that many people might not know or understand the evil of human trafficking globally.
    He said: “While slavery has been abolished, it now comes in form of human trafficking which is illegal trade in human beings, which we all know deprive them of their human right, using them for cheap labour and prostitution. It is actually believed to be the third biggest form of criminality in the world today. People are making billions from it.”
    Nigeria Guild of Editor President Funke Egbemode said parents and the society were culpable in the evil of human trafficking.
    She said the neglect of human, natural and traditional values have conspired to give the nation a bad name over trafficking.

  • NGE unveils book on human trafficking

    NGE unveils book on human trafficking

    As part of the campaign against trafficking in persons, Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and Human Dignity Project (HDP) will unveil a book, 8 Evils of Human Trafficking, today in Abuja.
    The formal presentation will hold at Sheraton, Abuja. It is written by two editors and members of NGE – The Nation Editorial Board member, Mr Steve Osuji and Boniface Opute.
    NGE Secretary General Mrs Victoria Ibanga said the book was part of its plan to rekindle interest in the ills of human trafficking.
    “The campaign against this crime seems to have waned in the last few years and not only in Nigeria but globally. NGE, working with HDP, will pay more attention to this vice,” she said.
    She spoke while meeting with reporters at the NGE House in Lagos. Mrs Ibanga added that 21 states will attend, adding that the release is the first intervention by the guild and its partner to bring trafficking in persons to the front burner.
    “We have decided not to leave this fight to government or even NAPTIP alone. As part of our awareness drive, we have invited about 21 state governments where the menace is prevalent to the launch so that they can join in the advocacy, especially by buying copies,
    “As the title suggest, the book considers major aspects of this malaise and their debilitating effects on the individual, family and our society. In a most enchanting manner, the book looks at prostitution, child labour, baby factory syndrome, poverty, disease and deaths.”