The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), on Thursday, trained principals and coordinators of the school anti-trafficking Vanguard in Edo.

The two-day programme, which commenced on Thursday in Benin, the state capital, was held in conjunction with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), under its Schol Anti-Trafficking Education and
Advocacy Project (STEAP).

Speaking, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Hajia Binta Adamu-Bello, disclosed that the programme was to raise the capacity of principals and teachers on addressing human trafficking and teaching their students.

Adamu-Bello, who was represented by NAPTIP’s Director of Research and Programme Development, Josiah Emerole, described rafficking as a clandestine crime that is endemic in all the states of the country.

The NAPTIP DG commended Edo for working to change the narratives of trafficking in the state.

In her remarks, the Head of PAN Africa Region of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), Ms Monica Zanette, noted that trafficking is not a distant problem, as it exists in our communities.

Zanette, who was represented by the Project Manager, Amarachi Chike-Jerry, disclosed that the project was designed to educate and empower young school children to become informed, protected, and proactive citizens.

In his remarks, the State Commissioner of Education, Paddy Iyamu, represented by the Director of School Support Service, Ikoghode Abudukadiri, described the anti-trafficking clubs as a welcome development in the State.

He commended NAPTIP, ICMPD, and the government of the Netherlands for sponsoring the programme, which helps to build the children’s capacity on the issue of human trafficking.

Project Manager of School Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project (STEAP), Rhoda Dia-Johnson, said the school anti-trafficking initiative was developed to address the issue of trafficking in terms of prevention.

She added that the programme is aimed at raising awareness to prevent trafficking, especially among children who are the majority of victims.