NAN-H-104
Trafficking
By Moses Omorogieva
Lagos, Oct. 26, 2017 (NAN) The Director-General of NAPTIP, Mrs Julie Okah-Donli, on Thursday in Lagos said that 331 human traffickers had been convicted since inception of the agency in 2003.
Okah-Donli said that more than 12,000 victims passed through NAPTIP’s shelters where they were given skills, education, medical support and some other assistance.
The NAPTIP boss gave the statistics during an interaction with some Nollywood stars and musicians at the agency’s Lagos Zonal Office.
She called on entertainment practitioners to use their platforms to fight human trafficking.
“You are seen as social crusaders, and many young persons see you as role models to be listened to and follow.
“Your large pool of fans especially the young people can indeed help to drive home our message.
“We,therefore, want you to lend your voice to ours in the fight. This can be done in creating time to join our awareness creation train when we call on you.
“Use your various platforms individually and collectively to facilitate awareness creation on human trafficking issues by organising anti-human trafficking theme concerts, ” *she said.
Okah-Donli appealed to them to
help to change the negative narratives on Nigeria by promoting the nation through positive stories.
She added that artistes could discourage citizens from engaging in dangerous journeys abroad.
“Production of docu-dramas, soap-operas, movies and musicals with anti-human trafficking messages amongst others can help,” she said.
One of the musicians and a hip-hop artists, Jude Ajaga popularly known as M.I., commended the agency for the fight against human trafficking.
He said that those in the entertainment industry would be willing to partner with NAPTIP to spread the campaign against human trafficking. (NAN)
MIO/IGO
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(Edited by Ijeoma Popoola)