IOM Supports Ongoing Battle Against Trafficking In Persons, Rewards Short Filmmakers

The United Nations International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has extended its support for the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria by awarding short film makers to raise public awareness of the antics and harms of human traffickers.

During the presentation of awards to the second edition winners of the Short Film Contest on Combating Trafficking in Persons in Nigeria on Monday, IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Mr Laurent De Boeck, reiterated the UN agency’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians combating human trafficking in the country through short films.

He described film as a universal medium for illustrating untold stories, inspiring, educating, and guiding people against human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

De Boeck explained that the contest, which began in 2023, aimed to empower young creative voices in the fight against human trafficking.

He stated, “Indeed, youth are among those most vulnerable to this crime, so it only makes sense that their voices be at the forefront of our efforts to combat it.

“Today’s winners demonstrated not only artistic talent, but also social responsibility and awareness.

“They have used the power of storytelling to shed light on the dark realities of human trafficking while also inspiring hope and action.”

“Their films demonstrate the survivors’ resilience and dignity, as well as the advocates’ courage and dedication.”

Amb. Tanimu Aduda, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, stated that the causes of human trafficking vary by country.

Aduda, who was represented by the Chief Community Development Officer on Child Protection, Mr Felix Nwaeseni, identified poverty, insurgency, and a lack of awareness as factors that make many Nigerians vulnerable to the tricks and intentions of human traffickers, among other things.

Aduda stated, “Therefore, key preventive strategies are being developed to work for us in Nigeria through extensive public awareness.”

“The current administration’s renewed hope agenda aims to strengthen our conscious implementation of economic and social policies.

“Such policies aimed at significantly reducing societal, institutional, and individual poverty levels; data collection and research efforts; and strengthening legislative measures for major reforms.

“These are significant steps in the right direction that provide actionable antidotes for eradicating human trafficking vulnerabilities and strengthening vulnerable groups’ resilience.

Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), praised the short film contest initiative for its effectiveness in raising awareness about the dangers of human trafficking.

Waziri-Azi, represented by Dame Ebele Ulasi, Director of NAPTIP’s Intelligence, Training, and Manpower Development Department, praised the anti-human trafficking efforts.

According to her, combating human trafficking necessitates not only action, but also awareness and understanding.

“This is why the awards ceremony is so important. The powerful stories told in these short films are more than just entertainment.

“They are beacons of hope, shedding light on the realities of trafficking and inspiring action.

“We celebrate the power of storytelling to raise awareness and spark action against this heinous crime,” she said.

The presentation of the First Prize Cheque of $2,000 to David Michael, the Second Prize Cheque of $1,000 to Grace Olubiyo, and the Third Prize of one high-resolution laptop to Erica Bale was the ceremony’s highlight.