By Ojotule Romanus
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has led a crowd of stakeholders on a high-spirited awareness walk to end human trafficking with a pledge to combat the menace and protect the vulnerable.
Governor Ododo made the commitment in Lokoja when the state joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons held under the theme “Trapped Behind the Scam ”
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Dr Mrs Folashade Arike Ayoade, the road walk, which was to sensitise the public and create awareness on human trafficking and its negative effects, started at 6:30 am from Paparanda Square making it’s way through New Layout and terminated at the Government House.
During the walk, the enthusiastic participants displayed banners with information about the dangers of human trafficking and why the public should stay away from it.
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It was further boosted by the presence of government officials, lawmakers, security agencies, civil society organisations, students and other residents of the state capital.
The awareness campaign was organised by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Human Trafficking, Hon. Patience Avosuahi, in collaboration with Avosuahi Global Initiative/Exploitation and the Generous Creative Care Foundation (GCCF).
Speaking on behalf of Governor Ododo, Ayoade said the Kogi State Government remained committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of residents and tackling the conditions that make people vulnerable to trafficking.
She described human trafficking as a serious criminal enterprise that thrives on poverty, ignorance and deception, urging parents, community leaders, religious institutions and schools to educate young people about the dangers of trafficking.
Ayoade also called on residents to support security agencies by providing credible information that could assist in dismantling trafficking networks operating within and outside the state.
The Governor’s representative joined the Secretary to the State Government, Majority Leader of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Salihu Abdulrazaq, members of the Assembly, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, officers of the Nigeria Police Force, officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), students and civil society organisations at the event.
In her address, Avosuahi said the campaign was designed to raise awareness about the deceptive tactics employed by traffickers and encourage residents to take an active role in preventing the crime.
She said many victims are lured with false promises of employment, education and better living opportunities before being subjected to exploitation.
According to her, the theme “Trapped Behind the Scam” captures the deceptive methods used by traffickers to target vulnerable people, particularly women, children and unemployed youths.
Avosuahi urged residents to remain vigilant, verify suspicious job and travel offers and promptly report suspected cases of human trafficking to the relevant authorities.
She stressed that ending trafficking required the collective efforts of government, security agencies, traditional and religious institutions, schools, parents, development partners and communities.
The Senior Special Assistant also commended Governor Ododo for establishing the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Human Trafficking and supporting initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable persons, raising public awareness and strengthening partnerships against trafficking.
The Majority Leader of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Suleiman Abdulrazaq, along with the member representing Ajaokuta State Constituency, Hon. Jibril Onoru-Oiza Abu said sustained public enlightenment and stronger collaboration among stakeholders were critical to tackling human trafficking.
He assured participants of the Assembly’s continued support for policies and legislation aimed at protecting victims, strengthening the prosecution of offenders and improving preventive measures across the state.
Representatives of the Nigeria Police Force and NDLEA also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, stressing that timely information remains an important tool in combating trafficking and organised crime.
Representatives of the collaborating organisations highlighted the social, psychological and economic consequences of human trafficking on victims and their families, while calling for stronger partnerships between government institutions, non-governmental organisations and local communities.
During the walk, participants carried banners and placards bearing messages such as “Awareness Saves Lives,” “Community Action,” “End Exploitation,” “Protect Dignity” and “Build a Safer World.”
They also echoed the campaign messages, “See Something, Say Something, Stop Something” and “Be the Voice, End the Silence,” as they moved through parts of Lokoja.
The event formed part of activities marking the 2026 World Day Against Human Trafficking, with participants emphasising the need for sustained awareness, effective law enforcement, community vigilance and stronger institutional collaboration to protect vulnerable persons and combat human trafficking.
