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IOM Advises West African counties on Collaboration for Success of War Against Trafficking in Persons
IOM Advises West African counties on Collaboration for Success of War Against Trafficking in Persons
By: Michael Mike
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), has said it is imperative for countries in West Africa to synergy and collaborate for success to be recorded in the ongoing fight against trafficking in persons within the region.
The Chief of Mission of IOM in Nigeria, Mr Laurent De Boeck, gave the charge in his address at the inaugural ceremony of the three-day workshop focused on fights against trafficking that started from May 31, to June 2, 2023, in Abuja.
The workshop, which is organised by the Ministry of Solidarity and the Fight against Poverty, as Executive Secretariat of the National Committee for the Fight against Trafficking in Persons (CNLTP) was based on bi-lateral cooperation to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons in Nigeria and Cote d’ Ivoire.
De Boeck said the meeting centered on exchange, experience sharing and study visit to Nigeria between CNLTP and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP) aimed at sharing lessons learnt and the best practices on human trafficking.

He said synergy is very important for countries in the West African region to fight against trafficking in persons and therefore, this visit is very timely.
He said: “It comes at a time when NAPTIP will be commemorating 20 years of being in existence and has been instrumental in the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria.
“A lot of milestones have been scored and NAPTIP has been a lead in the region, hence the interest by other countries to learn from the experience.
“One of the key aims of this study visit is to strengthen the government’s efforts, particularly in terms of sub-regional cooperation, in the fight against trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants.
“This study is part of assistance to victims of trafficking and smuggling of migrants project, funded by Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and implemented by IOM Côte d’Ivoire in close collaboration with the National Committee for the Fight Against Trafficking in Persons in Cote d’Ivoire.”
He assured that the organisation would support Nigeria to tackle root causes of irregular migration, trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants, ranging from the need to strengthen efforts in behavioural change communication interventions.
He further promised that socio-economic opportunities would be provided to return migrants to their communities of origin, leverage on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 10:7 and 17, to provide post arrival, reception and protection assistance to over 30,000 Nigerians, of which 4,000 are victims of trafficking among other.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, reiterated the need for shared values between both countries towards the protection of human rights, uphold peace and prosperity, as guiding principles for mutual cooperation.
She said: “Human trafficking and its multi-dimensional effect is a crime that affects every country.
“Although proportionality and strength may differ, trafficking in persons has continued to threaten the existence of humanity, which is why it is imperative we cooperate in the best interest of our citizens and all of society.
“The way we used to think about human trafficking has evolved into microcosms of much bigger problems.”
Regional Project Manager of Expertise France, Mr Modeste Krah, on his part, said the bi-lateral agreement signed between the two countries (Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire) in 2021 served as strategic framework in their fights against human trafficking and smuggling of migrants.
He said the study visit to Nigeria served as platform to further strengthen collaboration of combating heinous crime of human trafficking and smuggling.
He said: “Both Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria find themselves grappling with migration flows, serving as countries of origin, transit and destination.
“A detesting reality is that large number of the victims of trafficking rescued and cared for would have been trajectory to trafficking for sexual exploitation of Nigeria nationals.
“Such complexity pose immense challenges in the identification of victims and prosecution of trafficking, necessitating the concerted collaborative efforts between our two countries,” he said.
The workshop is being hosted under the auspices of the technical and financial support of IOM, and Expertise France had participants drawn from NAPTIP, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria Immigration Service, IOM Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria.
IOM Advises West African counties on Collaboration for Success of War Against Trafficking in Persons
News
2027: Constituents declare support for Tinubu, Goje’s re-election
2027: Constituents declare support for Tinubu, Goje’s re-election
Yamaltu/Deba constituents have declared support for President Bola Tinubu and Senator Danjuma Goje’s re-election ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
Dr Newton Moses, declared the support in a statement read on behalf of the people of Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State on Friday in Gombe.
Moses said voting for experienced leaders in 2027 remained key to addressing Nigeria’s challenges and delivering dividends of democracy to Nigerians.
He said the group’s decision to support Tinubu and Goje was guided by patriotism, and a sincere desire to see competent, and result-driven leadership that would benefit their constituents and the country.
He said that Goje’s leadership in the past 16 years at the Senate has benefitted the constituents and given effective representation to the people of Akko and Yamaltu/Deba LGAs that make up the district.
He dismissed allegations that the people of Yamaltu/Deba have been marginalised and were demanding the seat to be zoned to Yamaltu/Deba and not Akko where Goje is from.
He said that the constitution did not impose any zoning limitation or tenure restriction on membership in the National Assembly, hence urged those seeking the seat to test their popularity through election.
“We are not part of that group saying Goje should not return to the senate in 2027; that is not the voice of the grassroots from Yamaltu Deba.
“ Goje has, over the years, built invaluable networks and acquired the experience necessary to effectively advocate for the interests of his constituency and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“ By returning Goje to the Senate, Gombe Central stands to gain even more.
“ His established influence will ensure greater access to federal opportunities, increased developmental projects, and stronger representation in critical national decisions,” he said.
The group further advised President Tinubu to stay away from those working to tarnish the good name of Goje, stating that Goje’s influence in Gombe was important for the success of the All Progressives Congress in 2027.
Moses said at a time when Nigeria is focused on economic recovery, institutional strengthening, and inclusive growth under Tinubu, it was imperative that proven leaders like Goje to continue contributing his expertise toward national progress.
2027: Constituents declare support for Tinubu, Goje’s re-election
News
Hope in the Hard Times: Ashlee Momoh Foundation Spreads Easter Joy to Military Widows
Hope in the Hard Times: Ashlee Momoh Foundation Spreads Easter Joy to Military Widows
By Comrade Philip O. Ikodor
The Ashlee Momoh Foundation (AMF), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the families of fallen officers, marked the Easter season with a heartwarming outreach to military widows at different locations in Abuja and Nasarawa state, respectively on April 2nd, 2026. This thoughtful initiative was designed to bring joy, hope, and support to the widows of our fallen Military Officers, who have made immense sacrifices for their country.

“Easter is the season of renewal, hope, and the triumph of light over darkness,” Princess Ashlee said. “It reminds us that even after the longest winter, spring arrives and even after the deepest sorrow, there is the possibility of a new dawn.” The outreach was designed to show support and encouragement to the military widows, and to felicitate with them on the occasion of Easter.

Princess Ashlee Momoh reassured the widows that while their loved ones are no longer physically present, their legacy lives on, and AMF is committed to standing with them, supporting them, and celebrating their strength. “Today, we celebrate you, our heroes’ widows, and the sacrifices you’ve made,” she said.
The event was filled with moments of joy and fulfilment, as beneficiaries received gift items, cash gifts, and scholarship opportunities. The Foundation also announced enlistment for skill acquisition and empowerment programs, aimed at equipping the widows with the tools they need to rebuild their lives.

The outreach was a testament to AMF’s unwavering commitment to supporting the families of fallen officers, and its dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of those who have made immense sacrifices for their country. As one beneficiary put it, “This Easter, we’ve received more than just gifts – we’ve received hope, love, and a sense of belonging.”

The Ashlee Momoh Foundation’s Easter outreach was a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope, and that together, we can overcome any challenge.
Hope in the Hard Times: Ashlee Momoh Foundation Spreads Easter Joy to Military Widows
News
Six die, 12 injured in Kwara road crash
Six die, 12 injured in Kwara road crash
By: Zagazola Makama
Six persons have been confirmed dead and 12 others injured in a fatal road traffic accident along the Okolowo–Jebba expressway in Kwara State.
Police sources said the accident occurred at about 6:00 a.m. on April 2 near Danjuma Bakery area, involving a Toyota Hummer bus and a stationary truck.
According to the sources, the bus with registration number BTR-161-XA was conveying 18 passengers from Lagos State to Katsina State when it rammed into a parked truck with registration number BUU-495-ZD.
The truck was reportedly driven by Kamarudeen Abdullahi, said to be from Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The impact of the collision resulted in the death of six passengers on the spot, while 12 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The injured victims were rushed to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Oke-Oyi, for medical attention, while the remains of the deceased were deposited in the hospital morgue for autopsy.
Police said investigation had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Six die, 12 injured in Kwara road crash
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