The Kogi state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Fatimah Momoh has called for the need to join hands to bring an end to human trafficking in the state.
Hajia Fatimah Momoh stated this at the twenty twenty-five Key Stakeholders Consultative Dialogue for Data Coordination to commemorate this year’s International Day Against Trafficking in persons at the Banquet hall, Government House, Lokoja.
The Commissioner noted that while progress has been made in raising awareness and strengthening laws, much more need be done as efforts must be intensified towards preventing human trafficking, protect victims as well as prosecute offenders.
According to her, the theme, “Human Trafficking is an Organized Crime: End the Exploitation ” emphasizes the urgency of the Key Stakeholders Consultative Dialogue on Data Coordination noting that accurate data was vital for strategies needed to end the global scourge and commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and his wife, Hajia Sefinat Ododo for their tireless efforts at helping the vulnerable in the state.
In her speech, the speaker, Kogi state House of Assembly and chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs, Mrs Comfort Egwemi Egwaba noted that while the state government is doing it’s part, stakeholders saddled with the responsibilities are expected to take up the challenge and fight to ensure its reduction to a bearest minimum.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Human Trafficking, Amodu Avosuahi Patience stressed that human trafficking is a serious crime that snatches away dignity and pride of humanity, kills the joy, good spirit and future of it’s prey and appealed for the need to work together to curb the menace.
In a lecture, the guest speaker, the Executive Director, Renaissance Care and Empowerment Foundation (RECLEF) Ambassador Idris Ozovehe Muraina said combating human trafficking requires a multifaceted approach which involves various stakeholders, stressing that Government, law enforcement agencies, non-governmental organisations and the public which he noted play crucial roles in prevention, protection and prosecution of offenders.
Various Security Agencies who spoke at the event, called for synergy, sensitization and collaboration to end the trend which according to them, is tearing the nation apart.
The one day event which was organized by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with Network Against Child Trafficking Abuse and Labour (NACTAL) and the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Human Trafficking was attended by stakeholders from from various agencies, security departments as well as those living with disabilities.
Joseph Adama
Information Officer
Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development
