With growing concerns over the plight of vulnerable citizens falling prey to human trafficking, the Kogi State Government has renewed its commitment to tackling the menace through coordinated action and stakeholder collaboration.
This was disclosed during a stakeholders’ consultative dialogue on data coordination against human trafficking, held in Lokoja to mark the World Day Against Human Trafficking.
The event was organised by the Kogi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, in partnership with the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL) and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Human Trafficking.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Comfort Ojoma Egwaba, described human trafficking as a crime against humanity, emphasised the importance of multi-agency collaboration to eliminate human trafficking.
“This gathering reflects the government’s strong resolve to work with relevant stakeholders in protecting the most vulnerable members of our society.
We must remain proactive, united, and deliberate in our efforts,” she said.
She called on communities to remain vigilant and support ongoing awareness campaigns, particularly for women and children, who are often the primary targets of traffickers.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Fatimah Momoh, identified poverty, illiteracy, and misinformation as key factors fueling human trafficking.
She stressed the ministry’s continued focus on public sensitisation and empowerment programmes across the state.
Hon. Momoh cited the recent case of a trafficked girl from Kaduna State who was rescued in Kogi state.
She noted that the girl’s mother had unknowingly handed her over to traffickers, and the ministry had since contacted its counterpart in Kaduna to support the family and prevent further exploitation.
Also speaking, the State Coordinator of NACTAL, Mrs. Akande Racheal Remilekun, described the dialogue as a first-of-its-kind initiative in the state.
She said it was aimed at consolidating data from various stakeholders to enhance coordination and long-term impact.
“We are coming together as a united front. This is not a one-time conversation but the beginning of sustained action to end trafficking in Kogi State,” she stated
Similarly, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Human Trafficking, Hon. Avosuahi Amodu called for sincerity and accountability in the fight against human trafficking.
She warned against the increasing commodification of human lives and emphasised the need for data-backed interventions.
Avosuahi commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for creating the office of SSA on human trafficking, describing it as a step towards institutionalising the anti-trafficking effort in the state.
She noted that Governor Ododo’s support for efforts against human trafficking dates back to 2020 when he supported the launch of a book her experience in human trafficking.
