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Human Trafficking Under Siege! NAPTIP Taps Ogun Principals as Frontline Defenders
The Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Hajiya Binta Bello, has called on secondary school principals in Ogun State to join hands with the agency in the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Bello, who described human trafficking as the second most lucrative transnational organised crime globally—second only to drug trafficking—said the illicit trade generates an estimated $150 billion annually. She noted that Ogun State remains one of the hotspots for trafficking in the country and urged school administrators to prioritise efforts to combat the scourge.
Represented by NAPTIP’s Director of Research and Programme Development, Mr. Josiah Emerole, the DG made the call at a two-day training workshop held in Abeokuta for 50 selected principals who also serve as Coordinators of Anti-Trafficking Vanguard Clubs in their respective schools. The event was organised in partnership with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD).
Bello explained that the training was designed to deepen the participants’ understanding of the dynamics of human trafficking and equip them to be proactive in identifying and addressing the problem in their schools.
“Many still underestimate the danger of human trafficking, but it is a devastating crime that has claimed countless lives and shattered many others,” she said. “It is a transnational organised crime ranked just below drug trafficking, and tragically, school-aged children make up a large number of its victims.
“Some of these victims are likely in your schools already. You may not be aware now, but this training will enable you to recognise the signs and offer the necessary support.
“Our purpose here is to equip you with the knowledge you need to coordinate Anti-Trafficking Vanguard Clubs, educate your staff, and raise awareness in your communities that human trafficking is a serious crime that must be confronted collectively.
“Ogun State is particularly affected. We deal with both internal trafficking—within the country—and external trafficking to destinations abroad. Children are often trafficked from rural areas to cities, sometimes to work in quarries across Ogun State under hazardous conditions. Many of these children are victims of trafficking.”
Bello added that collaboration with school principals would be instrumental in curbing trafficking at the grassroots level, noting that early intervention is key. “By educating students from a young age, we empower them to detect traffickers and protect themselves and others.”
Speaking at the event, Rhoda Dia-Johnson, Project Manager of the School Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project (STEAP) under the ICMPD, lamented the rising number of school children who fall prey to traffickers, as reflected in frequent tragic headlines.
She said STEAP, which is funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, aims to empower students to become informed and proactive in fighting trafficking.
“As principals and anti-trafficking coordinators, you are not only educators but also front-line defenders of children’s rights,” she said. “Your schools must be safe spaces where exploitation is identified early, trust is nurtured, and victims feel empowered to speak out.”
Also speaking, Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, reiterated the state government’s commitment to global anti-trafficking efforts. Represented by the Director of Education Support Services, Akinola Okereafor, Arigbabu said the state has begun integrating Safe School Child Protection Policies and Psychosocial Support Frameworks into its education system.
He stressed that schools are not just centres of academic learning but also incubators of values, resilience, and identity—and must serve as the first line of defence in protecting children.
He urged school administrators to remain vigilant for signs of abuse or behavioural changes that may indicate a child is at risk.
Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, has officially confirmed that his current deputy, Yakubu Garba, will remain his running mate for the 2027 gubernatorial election. During an announcement at the Government House in Minna, Governor Bago noted that Garba’s name will be submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in accordance with constitutional requirements. Addressing recent speculation, the Governor reaffirmed his partnership with Garba, stating, “I have called you to come and witness that my Deputy, Yakubu Garba, is still my running mate in 2027.”....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In separate developments, police in Niger State have arrested 38-year-old Hamisu Abdullahi for allegedly attempting to disrupt a public event. Abdullahi was taken into custody during the Governor’s visit to the Emir of Suleja after he reportedly shouted slogans regarding utility shortages. According to police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun, the suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Minna on charges related to suspected thuggery and the obstruction of government activities.
Option 2: Concise Summary
Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago of Niger State has reaffirmed his commitment to his deputy, Yakubu Garba, naming him as his running mate for the 2027 election. The Governor stated that this decision fulfills legal requirements for the upcoming INEC nomination process.
Meanwhile, authorities have apprehended Hamisu Abdullahi, 38, following a disturbance during the Governor’s visit to the Emir of Suleja. Abdullahi, who reportedly shouted “no water, no light,” is currently under investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department for suspected thuggery and attempting to disrupt official government proceedings.
Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has rejected claims that the late former President Muhammadu Buhari’s policies caused the current economic hardship in Nigeria. During an interview on Arise Television, Sirika asserted that Nigeria’s economy and education sector were in a “good state” and “flourishing” under Buhari’s leadership.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
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Sirika maintained that Buhari “did extremely well” in managing the economy.
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He argued that it would be unfair to draw comparisons between the state of the country under Buhari and the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu.
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While expressing his belief that the nation was better off previously, Sirika stated he would not be drawn into debating the causes of current hardships.
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He declined to criticize the policies or decisions of either the past or current presidents, noting that he is not in a position to fully com
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has revealed that the governing body is exploring the possibility of expanding the 2030 World Cup to include 64 teams. This potential shift follows the recent expansion from 32 to 48 teams for the 2026 tournament, which increased the match count to 104. Infantino advocates for this change to provide smaller footballing nations with greater opportunities to qualify, arguing that increased representation motivates countries to invest in their local leagues, academies, and national programs. While the proposal remains subject to approval by FIFA’s decision-making bodies, it aims to narrow the competitive gap between traditional powerhouses and emerging teams. The 2030 event, which commemorates the tournament’s centenary, is already unique for being hosted by six countries across three continents: Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Morocco, Portugal, and Spain.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
FIFA is considering a massive shake-up for the 2030 World Cup, with President Gianni Infantino hinting at a potential expansion to 64 teams. Building on the success of the 48-team format introduced for 2026, Infantino believes that giving more countries a seat at the table is essential for the global development of the sport. He noted that under the current expanded format, teams from all continents have proven their competitiveness, suggesting that the divide between established nations and newcomers is shrinking. If approved, this 64-team structure would be implemented for a historic tournament already set to span three continents and six host nations to celebrate the competition’s 100th anniversary. FIFA is currently evaluating the logistical and financial implications of such an expansion before making a final decision.
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