Eben Enasco Reporting.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons NAPTIP has teamed up with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development ICMPD, to launch an anti-human trafficking campaign in Edo State schools.
30 students from Urora and Bethel Secondary Schools were inaugurated as anti-trafficking ambassadors.
The project, supported by the Netherlands government, aims to educate peers and communities about human trafficking risks.
Officials urge students to spread awareness and stay vigilant.
The initiative is part of the School in the Schools Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project STEAP.
Speaking at the inauguration in Urora Secondary School, the Benin Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Sam Offiah, said 30 students drawn from both junior and senior secondary levels in each school were selected to serve as anti-trafficking ambassadors
He explained that the students would be empowered to educate their peers and extend sensitization campaigns to their homes and communities.
He added that the project was supported by NAPTIP and ICMPD with sponsorship from the Government of the Netherlands.
ICMPD’s Project Officer, Elvis Ederibhalo, highlights that traffickers often target schools, exploiting the innocence of young people.
“Traffickers are always coming to schools to recruit pupils because of their innocence.
Mercy Imasuen-Irabor, Desk Officer for the project, commends the collaboration, calling it a sustainable way to protect children.
“This anti-trafficking vanguard has come to stay and you will be equipped with the knowledge to avoid being trafficked,” she said.
She urged the students to cascade the information to their peers, churches and communities.
Urora Secondary School Principal, Edith Omorogie, thanks the state government and partners for choosing the school for the project’s pilot phase.
Human trafficking is a menace in our society and many children of school age have been victims.