The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has inaugurated Schools Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project (STEAP) in 10 schools in Benue
Dorathy Aninge
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has inaugurated Schools Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project (STEAP) in 10 schools in Benue.
The Zonal Commander, NAPTIP, Makurdi Zone, Ms Gloria Bai, made the disclosure at a two-day workshop for school principals and vanguard coordinators under STEAP.
Bai said that the initiative was in collaboration with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and Benue Ministry of Education.
The zonal commander stated that the targeted number of schools in Benue was 50, but so far 10 vanguards have been inaugurated, and the remaining 40 would be inaugurated in September.
She stated that the exercise would be concluded when schools resume for the new session.
Bai added that the communities hosting the schools would also be sensitised during the period.
“These vanguards in schools are to bring up the children to speed about human trafficking, where we say ‘catch them young’, as most of these children being trafficked are mostly of secondary school age.
“These children can then have the knowledge of human trafficking and then sensitise other peer groups on the dangers and who to call or report to when they see any child being trafficked.
“We need the media to help NAPTIP create more awareness to curb the menace of trafficking and reduce the numbers in Benue, as we cannot do the work alone except with help from the media,” she said.
The Project Manager, Schools Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project (STEAP), Mrs Rhoda Johnson, said the activities under the projects were to target school principals and anti-trafficking vanguards, who were expected to be established in 50 selected schools.
Johnson said the training was to enable the vanguards and principals to know the necessary tools and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
According to her, the documents have been developed by NAPTIP and are to be used in these schools.
She further said STEAP targets the whole school system with parents inclusive.
The project manager stated that they would go into different communities to sensitise them on the issue of trafficking and how to identify traffickers.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management, Mrs Helen Nambativ, said the incessant attacks by herders and terrorists on Benue community, leaving the people vulnerable, have made the state a fertile ground for human trafficking.
Nambativ, who declared the workshop open, said that the state government had been trying to educate the populace on the dangers of human trafficking through the available media platforms.
The permanent secretary stated, however, that not everyone could be reached through the platforms.
She explained that it was on such premise that the ministry was partnering with organisations and spirited individuals to end human trafficking
“The zonal commander of NAPTIP has been working round the clock to see that this menace is put to an end by sensitising and rescuing trafficked people in the state.
“I call on all stakeholders in this project to cooperate with the desk officer of STEAP to ensure its success and look forward to speedy actions on the implementation of the school improvement project,” she said (NAN) (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)