A non-governmental organisation, Media Coalition and Awareness to Halt Trafficking (MeCAHT), says it has expanded its efforts in educating and training students on human trafficking prevention.
The initiative aims to educate and train 5,000 individuals on human trafficking prevention in the Gwagwalada area council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Addressing newsmen yesterday in Abuja, MeCAHT executive director Ikape James Ikape stated that this initiative also aims to raise awareness and equip individuals with the necessary skills to combat human trafficking.
He said the effort had garnered widespread support from various organisations, including educational institutions, stakeholders, NGOs, CSOs and support groups.
Ikape emphasized that the programme would target over 5,000 students, providing them information on the different forms of human trafficking.
He said this approach was designed to make the content relatable and impactful for both junior and senior secondary students, ultimately fostering a deeper understanding and vigilance against human trafficking.
He added that a key component of the initiative is the specialised training for educators to recognise signs of trafficking and understand traffickers’ manipulation tactics.
Ikape stressed that this training is essential, as educators interact directly with students and can identify and address potential trafficking situations early.
He also stated that the initiative includes the development of compelling short stories and success stories of trafficking survivors.
“These stories will be shared with educators to help them understand real-life experiences and incorporate these narratives into their educational programs,” Ikape said.
He said collaboration with law enforcement agencies is another critical component of this initiative. These agencies will receive joint training with educators, fostering a cooperative relationship that ensures swift action and support in trafficking cases.
Ikape said this partnership aims to enhance the initiative’s overall effectiveness by ensuring that all stakeholders are prepared to act decisively and collaboratively.
NAPTIP chief intelligence assistant counsellor Onwugbufor Ebele stated that the agency recently expanded its mandate to include fighting against violators of children’s and women’s rights.