The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to partner with the Media Coalition and Awareness to Halt Trafficking (MeCAHT) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in the ongoing fight against human trafficking and irregular migration.
The Commissioner for Youth Development, Ambassador Ndanusa Usman Shehu, gave this assurance while receiving delegates from MeCAHT and NAPTIP in his office on Monday.
Amb. Nanusa noted that part of the Ministry’s mandate is to guide and enlighten young people on how to live responsibly, he lauded both organizations for their dedication to eradicating human trafficking, describing it as a menace that demands collective action.
The Commissioner further emphasized the need for the sensitization campaign to reach the grassroots, ensuring that every household becomes aware of the dangers associated with irregular migration and the “Japa” syndrome. He also urged MeCAHT to explore avenues for encouraging young people to join uniformed voluntary organizations as a means of fostering discipline and civic responsibility.
Also speaking, the Acting Permanent Secretary and Director of Personnel, Finance, and Supply, Mrs. Okanla Kuburat Atinuke, admonished the organizations to intensify their awareness campaigns to reach more communities across the State.
In his remarks, the Director of Youth Development, Alhaji Abdulsalam Akeem, commended MeCAHT and NAPTIP for their continuous efforts in creating awareness among teachers and students on the risks of human trafficking and irregular migration, noting that such initiatives are timely and essential.
Earlier in his remarks, the NAPTIP Commander for Kwara State, Saadu Mustapha Ajara, disclosed that the Agency has been working closely with MeCAHT to strengthen efforts aimed at curbing human trafficking and irregular migration through advocacy and education.
On her part, the Programmes Officer of MeCAHT Caroline Imaobong explained that the organization, in partnership with NAPTIP, focuses on creating awareness and training teachers to serve as agents of change in the fight against human trafficking.
Oluwafemi Samuel Adeoye
Press Secretary
Ministry of Youth Development
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