By Murtala Muhammad
A Bauchi-based Non-Governmental Organisation, Rescue Initiative for Sustainable Development, has called for collaboration with the media, traditional, and religious leaders to combat human trafficking, child labour, and gender-based violence in the state.
The Executive Director of Rescue Initiative for Sustainable Development, Mr Sulaiman Henna, made the call at a one-day Media Parley on the Merit of Domestication and Enforcement of the Trafficking in Persons Prohibition Law, held at the State Ministry of Health.
The Media Parley, organised by Rescue Initiative for Sustainable Development, received support from Global Affairs Canada through Plan International Nigeria’s ASPIRE project.
Mr Henna stated that the media, as well as traditional and religious leaders, have a crucial role in preventing human trafficking by reporting any unusual movements within their respective communities.
Speaking at the event, Head of Operations at the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Abdurrahman Abdullahi noted that the practice is becoming increasingly prevalent in the state.
He emphasised the need for concerted efforts from all stakeholders to address the issue.
From a religious perspective, representatives of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Imam Muhammad Madaki, and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Yuhanna Ali, said both faith were against such ungodly act and stressed the importance of collective action to eradicate the practice.
The meeting included a panel discussion anchored by Media Consultant Nura Bashir Faggo, with a community leader, a legal practitioner, the Executive Director of RISD, and an officer from the National Orientation Agency as discussants.
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