The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ogun State Chapter, in collaboration with the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) and National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has organized a one-day sensitisation programme to educate traders and residents on the dangers of human trafficking and irregular migration.
The programme, held at Lafenwa Market in Abeokuta on Wednesday aimed at raising awareness among market women, youths, and community members on the deceptive tactics used by traffickers and the risks associated with illegal migration.
Speaking at the event, the Acting State Coordinator of NAWOJ in Ogun State, Oluwatoyin Adegoke, said the sensitisation programme was designed to protect vulnerable members of society, particularly women and children, from falling victim to traffickers.
Adegoke noted that human trafficking and irregular migration remain serious threats to families and communities, stressing that many victims are often deceived with promises of better opportunities abroad.
“Human trafficking and irregular migration are not distant or abstract issues. They are real and present dangers affecting families in our markets, neighbourhoods, and communities. Many victims are lured with false promises of employment, education, or a better life abroad, only to end up in situations of forced labour, sexual exploitation, abuse, or even death,” she said.
She emphasized that as women journalists, NAWOJ members are committed not only to reporting events but also to advocacy journalism that promotes social change and public enlightenment.
According to her, “Our role goes beyond reporting events; we are committed to advocacy journalism that enlightens, empowers, and drives positive social change. Through this outreach at Lafenwa Market, we aim to speak directly to traders, parents, and young people about the deceptive tactics used by traffickers and the severe consequences of irregular migration.”
Adegoke commended the leadership of the Lafenwa Market for supporting the sensitisation campaign, revealing that market authorities had earlier mobilised traders by using bells to draw attention to the programme.
She also expressed appreciation to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for its continued efforts in combating human trafficking and protecting victims across the country.
She further acknowledged the support of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) through the STEAP Project for providing technical support towards strengthening migration awareness and governance.
The NAWOJ acting state coordinator equally appreciated the Executive Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government Hon. Lanre Oyegbola Sodipo for providing an enabling environment for community based advocacy initiatives.
She also appreciated the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Council, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, for his consistent support for NAWOJ programmes and initiatives.
Adegoke urged participants to share the knowledge gained from the programme with others in their communities, noting that awareness remains one of the strongest tools in combating human trafficking.
“Together, through sustained advocacy, responsible leadership, and community vigilance, we can decisively say no to human trafficking and irregular migration and build a safer future for our people,” she added.
POWA through its State Chairperson Mrs. Olubusola Lanre-Ogunlowo, promised the association’s readiness to join hands with NAWOJ on the campaign against human trafficking.
She reiterated the association’s commitment to promoting opportunities for women and youth through empowerment and skills training.
She urged market women and members of the community to be vigilant and report any unusual movements to the right channel.
In her remarks, the State Commander of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Abosede Jimoh, lamented that the agency within the last years had received no fewer than 100 victims and 70 suspects.
She noted that some of the rescued victims are underage children who were forced to engaged in multiple sex activities and hard labour.
Jimoh disclosed that many housewives have equally fell victims of the illegal migration and human trafficking to majorly, Cairo and Libya.
“Victims are being moved from one place to another. It could be from village to rural setting, from rural to urban areas and by extension outside the country, for what? For sexual exploitation.
“They were not only made to sleep with men, they were made to sleep with animals. That was why NATIP also came into Ogun State two and a half years ago and ever since we came on board, we have received not less than 70 suspects of human trafficking and not less than 100 victims of human trafficking.
“Imagine a girl that is supposed to be in school and you know they are used, they are future leaders of the world. She is made to sleep with 20 men on a daily basis. It’s not a fiction. We are receiving cases like that on a daily basis, we have nine cases in court. We have prosecuted three and we have gotten conviction in three cases while others are under investigation” she added.
Iyaloja of Lafenwa Market, Alhaja Kabirat Owe, in her response appreciated NAWOJ and other stakeholders for the senaitisation programme.
While assuring that the message would be effectively disseminated to traders in the market to tackle the menace of human trafficking.
