STEAP Partners Call For A Stronger Collaboration In Tackling Trafficking in Persons/Violence Against Persons In Delta State

STEAP Partners Call For A Stronger Collaboration In Tackling Trafficking in Persons/Violence Against Persons In Delta State 

By Magnus Emuji 

The Schools Anti-Trafficking Education And Advocacy Project (STEAP) is funded by the Government of the Netherlands and implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) in collaboration with NAPTIP, Delta State Ministry of Education and Hope Health Organization.

Hope Health Organization (Civil Society Organization) organized a 1-day Community sensitization programme to raise awareness about trafficking in persons/ violence against persons. Speaking during the occasion in Ozoro in Isoko North LGA, the STEAP Project Coordinator Oluwakemi Omotoso on behalf of the Executive Director, Mrs Beatrice Irobo calls for stronger collaboration and synergy among stakeholders in combating Trafficking in Persons /Violence Against Persons (TIP-VAP) in society.

Omotosho further explained that the programme was designed to strengthen community understanding of TIP-VAP prevention, available referral pathways and to promote  survivor-centered response to cases.

A resource person at the event from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Edo Zonal Command, Hope Oke Edo representing the Edo Zonal Commander Barr. Sam Offiah  highlighted the forms, causes and impact of trafficking in persons on the victims, families and the society, stressing the need for prevention strategies and available referral pathways for reporting and supporting victims.

Another facilitator, Barr. Ijeoma Nwanze , Secretary of the Delta State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking in her own presentation focused on overview of violence against persons and its forms that include physical, emotional, sexual, economical and psychological abuse.

Barr. Ijeoma Nwanze , further emphasized the importance of the legal framework guiding violence against persons, the rights of victims as well as  survivor-centered approach in handling cases.

Hope Health Organization  advocated for increased grassroot awareness creation, prompt reporting of cases of  trafficking in persons/violence against persons and strengthened collaboration with referral agencies and other stakeholders.

During the interactive session, stakeholders and participants called for more community sensitization programmes across different locations, providing simplified information materials in local languages, strengthening collaboration with the law enforcement and support agencies as well as establishing community -based monitoring groups to track and report cases of  trafficking in persons/ violence against persons.

Participants present were representatives from various community groups including the Nigeria Police Force (Ozoro Division Headquarters), Community leaders, Ozoro Progressive Union, Ozoro Youth Assembly, Egweya Ologbo(Women group) of Ozoro kingdom, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), the Muslim community, National Youth Council of Nigeria (Isoko North chapter), Isoko National Youth Assembly (INYA), Market Women Association of Ozoro, National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) Isoko North Chapter, Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) Ozoro Command, Nigeria Forest Security Service  (NFSS) Ozoro Command, Ozoro Peace and Security Council (OPASCO), amongs others.