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NAPTIP Since Inception Has Rescued 23,900 Victims of Human Trafficking, Gotten 692 Convictions- Binta Bello
NAPTIP Since Inception Has Rescued 23,900 Victims of Human Trafficking, Gotten 692 Convictions- Binta Bello
By: Michael Mike
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has been able to rescue 23,900 victims of human trafficking and gotten 692 convictions since its inception, its Director General, Hajiya Binta Bello has said.
Speaking on Wednesday at the High-Level Policy Dialogue 2024 on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence as part of the activities marking the 2024, 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence themed: “Unite to end violence against women and girls,” the DG said NAPTIP has achieved significant milestones in the fight against gender-based violence in Nigeria.
She noted that such milestones include the rescue of victims from human trafficking, stating that: “So far, NAPTIP has rescued 23,900 victims of human trafficking, which includes 90% women.”
She added that shelters and safe spaces have been created, stressing that the agency has established 92 offices and 40 shelters across Nigeria and the federal capital territory to provide safe homes for victims.
Bello said NAPTIP has secured 692 convictions for traffickers and 37 for perpetrators of GBV, noting that the agency
conducts regular training programmes for law enforcement agencies, stakeholders, and the public to raise awareness and improve response to GBV.
She equally stated that the agency continuously engage in public awareness campaign, which is aimed at informing, educating and mobilizing communities against the menace of GBV and human trafficking.
Bello said the agency also collaborates with international organizations, NGOs, and other stakeholders to amplify its efforts and reach a wider audience, adding that: “NAPTIP has also developed and implemented national action plans to combat human trafficking and GBV, ensuring a coordinated and effective response. The agency advocates for stronger policies and legal framework to protect victims and persuade offenders.
She noted that: “These achievements highlight NAPTIP’s unwavering commitment to creating a safer and more equitable society, especially for women and girls in Nigeria and beyond. These efforts have not only provided immediate support to victims, but also contributed to long-term systemic changes to prevent this problem. These examples provide us an invaluable platform to assess our strategies, foster collaboration, and ensure that policies are effectively implemented and monitored.
“It is an opportunity to amplify the voices of survivors, engage policymakers, and inspire every stakeholder to act decisively. We cannot do it alone. We need every hand on deck to move our shared vision into reality.”
The DG appealed that: “As we deliberate today, I would like to profess to you our close collaboration in several key areas to enhance our efforts. Capacity building, providing NAPTIP operators with training on best practices for fighting GBV, to ensure they are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills, Expansion of our shelters, expanding NAPTIP shelters across Nigeria to provide safe havens for war victims. These shelters, if expanded, shall include both closed and open shelters as well, to absorb best practices.
“Empowerment programme. Initiatives to empower victims of this menace through vocational training and economic opportunities and psychosocial support. Let us focus on actionable steps to break the cycle of violence.
“Let us ensure that survivors receive the justice and support they deserve. Let us, as a united front, challenge the social norms and structure that perpetuate violence.”
She insisted that: “Together we can make significant progress in the fight against gender-based violence and build a safer, more equitable society for women and girls.”
Also speaking at the event, the President of the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin said: “This event is apt and well-tailored to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. This year’s theme, “Towards Beijing 30+: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” is a timely and urgent call to action, one that resonates deeply with all of us as we collectively strive for a world free from violence, where women and girls can live with dignity, equality, and respect.”
She noted that: “Undoubtedly, violence against women and girls remains a pervasive global challenge, but we must remain steadfast in our commitment to addressing and eradicating this violation of human rights. As we reflect on the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which is being said to be the most comprehensive and transformative global agenda for the empowerment of women and girls, it is evident that much progress has been made.”
She added that: “However, as we mark this significant milestone, we are also reminded that there is still much work to be done. As such, I am pleased to be in this space with like minds who are focused on women empowerment and resolute to combat GBV.”
She stated that: “The collaboration of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) programme is vital in amplifying the message that we must unite to end violence against women and girls. Through joint efforts, we can build stronger systems of support, develop precautionary strategies, and foster a society that values and protects the rights of all individuals, especially women and girls.”
In his part, the Deputy Country Representative of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Danilo Campisi
said a vote to end violence against women and girls is a clarion call for all. “We cannot afford to stand still. We need action, not words, resources, not empty promises. Every 10 minutes, a woman is killed. For many women home, a place that should be a sanctuary, becomes a site of unimaginable harm. In 2023 over 60% of women and girls who were killed were killed by intimate partners or family members. These staggering statistics provided by unlc and UN Women remind us why we must unite to address the epidemic of violence against women and girls.”
He said: “UNODC has been at the forefront of combating gender-based violence and advancing justice for victims. Through tools such as the Feminicide Brief and other resources for criminal justice practitioners, we work to analyze these heinous crimes and identify critical gaps in prevention, response, and accountability. Here in Nigeria, the Third Corruption Survey, which was presented in July 2004, provides valuable insight into how corruption perpetuates gender inequalities and exposes women to hate and vulnerability.”
He added that: “Women’s limited access to public roles and decision-making positions not only undermines equality but also fuels structural violence. This, in turn, reminds us that gender-based violence and corruption are deeply interconnected challenges that require coordinated responses.”
Since 2015, when NAPTIP was given the mandate to enforce the BAP Act in FCT, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that no woman or girl is left behind in the fight to unite free from violence. As a nation, we have made commendable strides in policy formulation, legislation, and activism. But we must acknowledge that much remains to be done to eradicate this menace.
NAPTIP Since Inception Has Rescued 23,900 Victims of Human Trafficking, Gotten 692 Convictions- Binta Bello
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UK Government Funded Accelerator Programme Pitches Sustainable Manufacturing Solutions in Nigeria
UK Government Funded Accelerator Programme Pitches Sustainable Manufacturing Solutions in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The British High Commission in Nigeria and Manufacturing Africa have hosted an Investor Night where six innovative Nigerian startups from the UK funded Green Business Building (GBB) Accelerator Programme pitched their sustainable manufacturing solutions to potential investors following 16 weeks of intensive business development training and mentorship.
The featured green businesses cover a broad range of industries extending from renewable energy, recycling, organic agriculture and electric mobility.
According to a statement by British High Commission on Tuesday, the startups – GreenSpace Recycling, Sirius-X Energy, Auxano Solar, Taeillo, ZOOMe and Veggie Victory presented their business models and opportunities to a room of venture capitalists, impact investors, and ecosystem stakeholders. The pitching session marked a key milestone in their journey, aimed at unlocking funding and strategic partnerships.
The statement added that designed in a pitch den format, the evening included presentations from the cohort companies, offering insights into their innovative climate friendly business models and the potential for scaling their ventures to create lasting economic and environmental impact.
The businesses also received real-time feedback from funders including potential offers for funding.
Attendees at the event included Jonny Baxter, UK Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria and other representatives from the High Commission in Nigeria, prominent investors and key stakeholders from the sustainable business ecosystem in Nigeria.
Designed to catalyse investment in Nigeria’s green industrial growth, the accelerator is part of the UK’s and Nigeria’s commitment to growing and scaling small, innovative businesses to deliver growth and create new direct and indirect jobs across green industries in Nigeria.
Deputy Head of Mission, British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, Simon Field, said,“Manufacturing is Nigeria’s future — and these businesses show how it can also be greener, more inclusive, and globally competitive. I have nothing but confidence in the programme we’re funding. Every pitch tonight was professional, inspiring, and full of ambition.”
Manufacturing Africa Nigeria, Country Lead, Kemi Onabanjo, said: Tonight was all about celebrating progress and creating profitable connections. We are celebrating the progress these incredible founders have made on their journey with the GBB programme, as well as the impact they are already having. It was also about creating connections that bridge the gap between innovation and investment — connecting promising ventures with the capital, networks, and partners needed to scale their impact.
The startup founders commended the programme with CEO, Taeillo, Jumoke Dada, saying: “GBB is hands-on — they take the heavy lifting off you and help you execute. We now have real clarity on our next steps and a plan we can run with.”
CEO, ZOOMe, Adedayo Odunlami, said: “The level of diligence and attention to detail from the team was world-class. They’ve helped us evolve — as a business and as founders — and connected us to an incredible network.”
UK Government Funded Accelerator Programme Pitches Sustainable Manufacturing Solutions in Nigeria
Nigeria, Russia Celebrate 65th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria and Russia on Tuesday are celebrating 65 years of establishment of diplomatic relations.
The two countries established diplomatic ties on November 25, 1960
Both countries ministers of foreign affairs in celebrating the important milestone exchange congratulations messages.
Russian minister, Sergey Lavrov in his letter stated that: “Please accept my sincere congratulations on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two States.
“We note with satisfaction the high level of cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which is based on the principles of mutual respect, trust and the closeness of our positions across a broad range of regional and international issues.
“We remain committed to the steady development and maintenance of an active and substantive political dialogue, as well as practical collaboration in the trade, economic and humanitarian spheres, in the interests of the peoples of our countries and in the support of sustainable peace and development on the African continent.
“I wish you good health and every success, and to the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria – well-being and prosperity.”
On his part, the Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar wrote: “On behalf of the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I have the honour to convey warm congratulations to you and through you to the government and people of the Russian Federation, on this historic occasion of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries.
“As we celebrate this milestone, Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to strengthening partnership in a manner that advances the prosperity of our peoples and contributes to a more just and equitable international order.
“Since the establishment of ties on 25th November, 1960, Nigeria and Russia have maintained a relationship characterized by mutual respect, constructive dialogue and shared aspirations for global peace, stability and development. Over the decades, our cooperation has expanded across strategic sectors including Defence, Education, Energy, Science and Technology, Space Cooperation, Trade, and Cultural Exchange.
“I look forward to deepening collaboration in economy, security and increased people-to-people exchanges.
“Please accept the assurances of my
highest consideration.”
Nigeria, Russia Celebrate 65th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations
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Tony Elumelu Foundation Partners Federal Fire Service to Train 7,400 on Fire Safety Preparedness
Tony Elumelu Foundation Partners Federal Fire Service to Train 7,400 on Fire Safety Preparedness
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Fire Service has announced a groundbreaking national capacity-building initiative following a strategic collaboration with the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) to train 7,400 Nigerians on fire safety preparedness across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
This partnership was consolidated during a courtesy visit to Mr. Tony Elumelu, Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation and Chairman of Heirs Holdings and the United Bank for Africa (UBA), at the Hilton, Abuja.
The Controller General, Federal Fire Service, Samuel Olumode, led a delegation of senior management officers to the high-level engagement.
A statement by the spokesman of FFS, Paul Abraham on Monday said, during the engagement, the Service also formally investitured Mr. Peter Ashade, Group CEO, United Capital Plc, as a National Fire Safety Ambassador, in recognition of the Heirs Group’s significant contributions to enhancing safety consciousness and advancing community-focused fire safety initiatives nationwide.
He noted that this honour further reinforces the expanding partnership between the Federal Fire Service and the Tony Elumelu ecosystem.
He revealed that as part of the collaboration, Federal Fire Service personnel will be deployed across all infrastructures under Mr. Tony Elumelu’s business portfolio nationwide, serving as safety officers to support compliance, strengthen safety monitoring, and enhance fire prevention awareness across all facilities.
Elumelu emphasized the urgent need to deepen community-level fire safety awareness, noting that thousands of households, local markets, and indigenous settlements remain vulnerable due to limited access to structured fire prevention education. He underscored that empowering citizens with practical, life-saving knowledge will significantly improve national resilience and reduce both the frequency and severity of fire outbreaks.
Under the collaboration, the Federal Fire Service will train 200 persons in each state of the federation and the FCT, totaling 7,400 beneficiaries.
The programme will focus on essential fire-prevention skills, early warning practices, and basic emergency response procedures. Participants will also be groomed to serve as fire safety advocates within their communities, creating a multiplier effect that promotes vigilance and responsible safety behaviour nationwide.
The Controller General described the partnership as a milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward a more preventive approach to fire management. He expressed profound appreciation to Mr. Elumelu and the Foundation for championing a community-centric model that aligns with global best practices. He further assured that the Service will deliver the training with professionalism, transparency, and measurable impact across all zones.
The initiative is expected to significantly strengthen grassroots preparedness, improve first-response capacity, and foster a long-term culture of fire safety within communities.
Tony Elumelu Foundation Partners Federal Fire Service to Train 7,400 on Fire Safety Preparedness
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