Anambra State has been identified as the strategic transit route trafficking in human persons, illegal migration and child labour and exploitation as it joined the world to celebrate the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Human Persons and Illegal Migration. This indication emerged as the State government marked this year’s event in collaboration with Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Association of Orphans and Vulnerable Persons, , Network Against Trafficking of Persons, Child Abuse and Labour, International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA), CSO Migration and Development Network and Zaram Life Foundation. This year’s event witch kicked off in front of the State House of Assembly, opposite Ekwueme Square, Awka, weekend, has as its theme: “Trapped Behind the Scam.”.

 

The participants carried placards some of which inscriptions read: “Say No To Child Labour and Abuse ” “Say No to Human Trafficking ” “Trafficking is a Crime,” “Shine Your Eyes, Don’t Be Scammed,” “Child Hawking during School Hours is Denial of Child,’s Right to Education ” Flagging off the event, the Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs. Mrs Esther Onyekesi observed that the State’s vibrant economy and thriving commercial activities which make the State prosperous and liveable account for its high rate of vehicular and human traffic including destitute. Onyekesi while addressing adults who thronged Ekwueme Square for the walk-for-life physical exercise cautioned against falling prey to the lure to scam in firm of schooling or exploitative work at home and abroad without proper information, urging them to “Say No” to such trappings or face the consequences. At the Mgbike Tricycle Terminal, the Permanent Secretary. Ministry of Justice. Nkiru Mokwe Esquire called for report pertaining job or travel scamming of unwary youths. Mokwe, pointed out that breaking the culture of silence would go a long way in combating the menace, stressing: “We’ve obligated to see something, say something.”.

 

In her address, the Co-Convener, Miss Eucharia Onyemaobi revealed that the geographical location and abundant human, material and economic resources in the State contribute to the prominent position of the State as a flourishing transit hub in matters of human trafficking and child exploitation. Onyemaobi dwelt on the need for the State government to create more awareness on internal migration and education of parents/guardians and youths resident in communities and hinterlands on dangers of being scammed over false skill acquisition training, job opportunities or schooling. The Executive Director of Zaram Life Foundation said: “Vulnerability is where trafficking thrives. It takes a community to stop trafficking. That’s why my we say: “Informed migration, informed decision. Travel for the right reason. Do things for the right reason.”. In her remarks, a member of the Body of Bencher, and African Woven Lawyers, Amaka Ezenor appreciated the participants for gracing the occasion, calling fur more awareness of the negative effects of trafficking in human persons and illegal migration across the length and breath of the society.

 

Addressing drivers and passengers at the Solution Bus Terminal, Aroma Junction, the State Chairperson of FIDA, Mrs Amara Muojeke, a lawyer, warned members of the public against running foul of extant federal and State laws criminalising perpetration of acts of trafficking in persons, illegal migration child labour, abuse/exploitation, ritual killing or death association with trafficking and illegal migration. Muojeke who also leads the Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum (NBAWF) in the State said the offences attract fines and terms of imprisonment range from 2 to 10 years depending on the nature of the offences.

 

Corroborating her, a Staff member of F FIDA, Chioma Onuoha, a lawyer attributed poverty and suffering in the country as the major factors promoting trafficking in persons, illegal migration child labour and exploitation. While calling on such domains as communities, schools, media, churches and government to join hands to end the scourge.

Barrister Onuoha called in parents and guardians to encourage their children and wards to go to school or undergo a skill acquisition programme for self-reliance, and economic and national development. However the Acting Director of Administration , Ministry of Women and Children Affairs. Onyeka Chukwudi and his colleague, Benice Uchendu traced value orientation rather than poverty, and called for responsible parenting. They condemned the idea of parents and guardians condoning the act of luring their children and wards out in the name of traveling to school or secure job, only to find up in sex trade.which earn blood money.

 

In her contribution, the Deputy Commandant of NSCDC, Ebere Nwufoh said the Corps is pro-active in tackling the menace of human trafficking, illegal migration and child exploitation through its Anti-human Trafficking Initiative Unit that handles issues of gender based violence.child abuse, trafficking in persons.domestic violence, family welfare, disinheritance of widowhood and miscellaneous/advocacy matters.

 

Nwufoh urged commercial drivers to assist and identify suspicious persons around the parks, and facilitate in arrest of child labour or hawking during school hours or boarding commercial vehicles for travels. In his speech, the Head of Anti- Smuggling and Migration, State Immigration Service.

 

Theophilus Muozoba while differentiating accompanied and unaccompanied minors in matters of trafficking and migration reminder the youths itching to travel of risks having their organs harvested, listing Oman Kuwait, Dubai, Morocco, Libya, and Burkina Faso as such countries with high red flags to travel, stressing: “Nobody should have mercy for those who go these countries. We’ve more deaths recorded in human trafficking and illegal migration than those who die in prisons.”.

 

He said the Immigration Service has adopted travelling mechanism to curb trafficking and illegal migration by ensuring that prospective travelers must provide evidence of return tickets and means of livelihood before they travel.”