The Oyo State Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mr Kayode Alfred, has called on media organisations across the state to collaborate with the agency in intensifying public enlightenment campaigns aimed at eradicating human trafficking.
Mr Alfred made the call during a special event commemorating the first anniversary of the Community Chest Council (CCC), he umbrella body of registered non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Oyo State.
The event, held in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, took place at the Small Hall of the Social Development Centre, Samonda, Ibadan, and was themed “Dangers of Human Trafficking and Prevention. The NAPTIP commander decried what he described as the troubling trend of some media owners taking over the agency’s statutory responsibility of handling human trafficking cases, rather than referring such cases to NAPTIP for proper action.
“The media has the mandate to inform, educate, and entertain the public, not to act as adjudicators on matters of trafficking. We are aware of a situation where a popular broadcast media owner in Oyo State is now involved in settling trafficking cases. This must stop,” Mr Alfred said.
He stressed that all human trafficking cases should be reported directly to NAPTIP, noting that the agency is fully equipped to investigate and prosecute offenders, while also offering support to victims.
In his lecture, Mr Alfred gave a comprehensive overview of the agency’s activities, focusing on several key areas, including “Introduction to Human Trafficking as Modern Day Slavery,” “NAPTIP’s 5-P Strategy,” “Types and Forms of Human Trafficking,” “Push and Pull Factors,” “Consequences of Trafficking,” and “Modes of Recruitment of Victims by Traffickers.”
He also highlighted indicators of trafficking and the prevalent forms of the crime in Oyo State.
Participants at the event, who were drawn from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), NGOs, and schools, were urged to report any suspected case of human trafficking without delay.
Earlier in his address, Dr Oluwasogo Ayodele, the Executive Chairman of the Community Chest Council, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to child protection, noting that the event coincided with the celebration of Children’s Day.
“Children play a vital role in shaping our nation’s future. CCC will continue to support our member organisations working in this area and will do all we can to promote the well-being of every child,” Dr Ayodele said.
He expressed appreciation to all individuals and organisations that had financially supported the Council in its first year, offering prayers for continued blessings and partnership.
“May the good Lord bless you and your organisations abundantly. May we continue to strive for excellence and progress together,” he added.
The event also featured goodwill messages, presentations, and discussions on strengthening the state’s social welfare architecture.
