The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikorodu Branch, through its Anti-Human Trafficking Committee, has successfully concluded a comprehensive community engagement program aimed at strengthening grassroots involvement in the fight against human trafficking.
The event, themed “Break the Cycle: Tackling Human Trafficking Through Grassroots Involvement,” was held in July 2025 at Bukka Hut, located at 63 Ayangburen Road, Olubi Junction, with both physical and virtual participation options to ensure maximum inclusivity.
The program recorded impressive attendance from a wide spectrum of community stakeholders, demonstrating the growing commitment to combat human trafficking at the grassroots level. Key participants included representatives from the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), who attended in large numbers, teachers from various schools across Ikorodu, and, notably, a courageous human trafficking survivor who shared her personal story and valuable lessons learned.
Other significant participants included representatives from the Child Protection Network, the Chairman of Community Development Council (CDC) Ikorodu North, the Chairperson of Community Women’s Rights Foundation, Lagos Legal Hub, and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA). The National Orientation Agency (NOA), NBA members from other branches, legal practitioners, human rights advocates, and social workers from General Hospital Ikorodu also contributed to the robust discussions.
Media coverage was provided by Silverbird Television, while the Chairman of NBA Ikorodu Branch and members of the branch’s Executive Committee attended, highlighting the organisation’s commitment to anti-trafficking initiatives.
The program featured a distinguished keynote speaker from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), who delivered a comprehensive address on the critical roles that communities, legal institutions, and various stakeholders must play in preventing and responding effectively to trafficking cases.
The engagement program facilitated critical discussions on several vital areas, including community-based strategies for identifying and reporting trafficking incidents, strengthening legal responses and victim support systems, and fostering cross-sector collaboration for continuous advocacy efforts. Participants also emphasised the urgent need for proactive education and sensitisation campaigns to prevent trafficking at its roots.
“The success of this community engagement reflects our unwavering commitment to building a united front against human trafficking,” said Tessy Osakwe, Chairman of the Anti-Human Trafficking Committee, NBA Ikorodu Branch. “We are encouraged by the level of participation and engagement from diverse stakeholders, which demonstrates that our community is ready to take decisive action against this menace.”
The hybrid format of the program proved particularly effective, enabling broader participation from stakeholders who joined virtually while creating opportunities for future partnerships with the institutions and organisations present.
The Anti-Human Trafficking Committee has reaffirmed its dedication to organising regular community-based engagements and collaborative actions designed to prevent human trafficking. The committee views the July 2025 Community Discussion as a catalyst for sustained community involvement and awareness.
“This is just the beginning of our intensified community-based approach,” Osakwe emphasised. “We remain committed to continuing these engagements because we understand that the fight against human trafficking requires sustained, collective effort from all segments of society.”
The success of the program underscores a growing awareness and determination within the Ikorodu community to actively participate in eliminating human trafficking, setting a positive precedent for similar initiatives across Lagos State and Nigeria.
The NBA Ikorodu Branch’s Anti-Human Trafficking Committee continues to welcome partnerships and collaboration from individuals, organisations, and institutions committed to the fight against human trafficking, as it works toward creating a safer community for all residents.
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.
