Lagos Schools Unite Against Human Trafficking in Second Edition of Hope Alive Educational Center’s Inter-School Human Rights Competition Founded by Adeyinka Adeyefa
Over 100 students from three Lagos schools gathered at Faith Academy, Gowon Estate, Ipaja on July 4, for the second edition of Hope Alive Educational Centre’s Inter-School Human Rights Competition, with this year’s focus squarely on combating human trafficking under the theme “Modern Day Slavery.“
The event, which commenced at 11 AM, brought together representatives from Faith Academy Gowon Estate, Ever Bright College, and Dan Gracious Land High School, alongside officials from the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Lagos Anti-Human Trafficking Hub.
Following the welcome address delivered by the host school’s principal representative and the Secretary of Hope Alive Educational Centre, the program officially began with prayers and the national anthem.
The highlight of the morning session was a comprehensive 30-minute crash training on human trafficking delivered by Mrs. Elizabeth, a NAPTIP representative, to the assembled students. From the over 100 participants, 32 students were selected and certified as Human Trafficking Ambassadors.
“The children were armed with the knowledge of human trafficking, the reality of human trafficking and the part they have to play in eradicating human trafficking,” explained Adeyinka Adeyefa, founder of Hope Alive Educational Centre and the event’s organiser.
The centrepiece of the competition was a two-round poetry contest themed “Modern Day Slavery.” The first round featured spoken word performances, while the second round allowed schools to adopt dramatic presentations in freestyle format.
A distinguished panel of judges, comprising representatives from NAPTIP, the Lagos Anti-Human Trafficking Hub, and the Secretary of Hope Alive Educational Centre, evaluated the performances.
Faith Academy emerged victorious, claiming the first position, followed by Ever Bright College in second place, and Dan Gracious Land High School securing third position.
The event demonstrated the power of collaborative efforts in human rights education. “Hope Alive Educational Centre partnered with NAPTIP, National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and the Lagos Anti-Human Trafficking Hub,” Adeyefa noted, emphasising the multi-stakeholder approach to addressing the issue.
The competition featured participation from key figures, including Mrs. Elizabeth from NAPTIP, Barrister. Adeyinka Adeyefa, Barr. Ololade Soda Pereira from Hope Alive Educational Centre, and representatives from the participating schools.
For Adeyefa, the competition represents more than just an academic exercise. “That one step after the other, we are closer to our objective of bringing awareness of human rights in its forms, ways of infringement and protection to everyone,” he stated.
The strategic focus on student participation serves a dual purpose of education and advocacy. “The essence of the event, apart from the training, is to make the students preach the message. That way, they would never forget,” Adeyefa explained, highlighting the long-term impact of empowering young people as ambassadors for human rights.
The success of this second edition reinforces Hope Alive Educational Centre’s commitment to using creative platforms to address serious social issues, while building the next generation of human rights advocates in Lagos schools.
The competition stands as a testament to the power of education and artistic expression in confronting one of society’s most pressing challenges – human trafficking and modern slavery.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
