Groups educate students on human trafficking, child labour

To curtail increased cases of trafficking, child labour, prostitution, forced marriages, and drug peddling in the society, a non-governmental organisation, Children Emergency Relief Foundation (CERF) recently held sensitisation programme for secondary school students.

Executive Director, CERF and convener, Mrs. Abosede Oyeleye, said the foundation gives hope and transform lives of vulnerable and indigent youths in the society.

Oyeleye, at the event themed: “Human trafficking and child abuse,” held at Ikorodu council secretariat Hall Lagos, said the foundation has supported more than 10,000 children with various projects over the years, promoting healthier and safer communities through regular community awareness programmes.

Some of the schools present include Christ Army Academy Ikorodu, Living Legacy Schools, Jehovah Jireh Schools, Homat College and Edfan College, Ikorodu.

Zonal commander, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mrs. Agboko Modupe, said NAPTIP is fully committed to the prevention of all forms of human degradation and exploitation through coordinated use of crime prevention and law enforcement resources to stamp out human trafficking, liberate and uplift the vulnerable, especially women and children.

Modupe, who is NAPTIP’s Assistant Director of Intelligence [NADI], said they ensure rehabilitation and effective reintegration of the vulnerable ones into the society.

She appealed to students, teachers and stakeholders to be mindful of people who speak ill of the country, to lure them abroad.

“Most human traffickers never stand by the terms and conditions when they get victims abroad, they abuse and exploit them.”

Modupe said government has invested heavily in creating awareness on antics of human abusers, rescuing victims and arresting human traffickers.

NAPTIP also donated some books to both primary and secondary students at the event.

Assistant Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Ikorodu, Mrs. Jumoke Oduola, said the agency upholds leadership by example, develops social and cultural values, which will inculcate the spirit of patriotism, nationalism, self-discipline and self-reliance in youths.

According to her, the agency encourages youths to actively participate in discussions and decisions on matters affecting their general welfare, promote new sets of attitudes and culture for the attainment of the goals and objectives of a united Nigeria.

An official of LNSC, Ikorodu West, Mr Rasaki Oseni, cautioned students not to be victims, but speak out or break the silence when faced with domestic violence or sexual molestation.