The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has reiterated commitment to empower young Nigerians to combat trafficking in persons through short films.
The IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Mr Laurent De Boeck, disclosed this during presentation of awards to winners of the second edition of the Short Film Contest on Combating Trafficking in Persons in Abuja.
He described film as universal medium to illustrate untold stories that could inspire, educate and guide people against trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants.
He said the contest was inaugurated in 2023 with the aim of empowering young creative voices in the fight against trafficking in persons.
He added that “indeed, youths are among most vulnerable to this crime, so it only makes sense that their voices are put at the centre of our efforts to address it.
“The winners crowned today have demonstrated not only artistic talent, but social responsibility and awareness.
“They used the power of storytelling to shed light on the dark realities of human trafficking and to inspire hope and action.
“Their films are testaments to the resilience and dignity of the survivors, and the courage and dedication of the advocates.”
Amb. Tanimu Aduda, the Permanent-Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, said the causes of human trafficking may differ from one country to another.
Aduda, who was represented by Mr Felix Nwaeseni, the Chief Community Development Officer on Child Protection, attributed some of the causes to poverty, insurgency and lack of awareness about the tricks and intentions of trafficking in persons cartels, among others.
He noted that the key preventive strategy would work for Nigeria through extensive public awareness.
He added that “the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration is geared toward strengthening our conscious implementation of economic and social policies.
“Such policies are aimed at significant reduction in societal, institutional and individual poverty level, data collection and research efforts, strengthening legislative measures on major reforms.
“These are significant steps in the right direction that elicit actionable antidotes for eliminating the vulnerabilities to human trafficking and building resilience of vulnerable groups.”
In the same vein, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, the Director-General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), commended the short film contest initiative, saying it was apt in sensitising people about the dangers of human trafficking.
Waziri-Azi, represented by Dr Ebele Ulasi, the Director of Intelligence, Training and Manpower Development Department in NAPTIP, commended the efforts against human trafficking.
According to her, the fight against human trafficking demands not only action, but awareness and understanding.
“This is why this award ceremony is so crucial. The powerful stories showcased through these short films are more than just entertainment.
“They are beacons of hope, shining light on the realities of trafficking and inspiring action.
“We celebrate the power of storytelling in raising awareness and igniting action against the horrific crime.”
Highpoint of the ceremony was the presentation of First Prize Cheque of $2,000 to David Michael, Second Prize Cheque of $1,000 to Grace Olubiyo and one-high resolution laptop to Erica Bale as the Third Prize.
NAN
