The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO Africa) has launched a nationwide sensitisation campaign to protect Nigerian students from the rising threat of human trafficking, beginning in Makurdi, Benue State. The initiative, aimed at empowering youth with knowledge to resist trafficking tactics, kicked off on Thursday at the Government Model Secondary School hall in Makurdi. Organisers say the campaign is a critical step in addressing the growing vulnerability of Nigeria’s youth to exploitation and illegal recruitment.
Continental Chairman of NIDO Africa, Prof. Jude Osakwe, confirmed the launch in a statement released to Diaspora Tales on Friday. He highlighted that the event brought together key government agencies, law enforcement bodies, and community leaders to form a united front against human trafficking. “The goal is to equip young people with the tools to recognise and resist the tricks used by traffickers,” Osakwe said, stressing the importance of early awareness.
A total of 25 secondary schools across Makurdi were invited to participate, underscoring the campaign’s broad reach and commitment to engaging a wide segment of the youth population. The event featured representatives from the Office of the Attorney General, Benue State, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management. These institutions joined forces to deliver critical messages on safety, legal rights, and vigilance.
Osakwe warned students about the common methods traffickers use to lure vulnerable children and young people, including false promises of jobs, education, or travel opportunities abroad. He urged parents, teachers, and guardians to remain alert and actively engage in conversations about safety with their children. “This is not just about awareness — it’s about prevention and protection,” he emphasized.
The campaign will continue its journey across Nigeria, with the next stop scheduled in Asaba, Delta State. From there, it will proceed to Benin City, Edo State, before culminating in a grand finale in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. The final event in Abuja is expected to bring together national stakeholders to consolidate the campaign’s message and strategize for long-term impact.
This nationwide tour marks a significant effort by NIDO Africa to address human trafficking through education and community mobilisation. As the campaign moves from state to state, it aims to leave a lasting imprint on Nigeria’s youth, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to protect themselves and others from exploitation.
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