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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.
Ahmad made the assertion in a post on his X handle, maintaining that Kwankwaso’s decision to accept the position of running mate should be seen as an act of political modesty rather than an indication that he is less qualified than Obi.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to the former presidential aide, the relationship between the two politicians should be viewed as one of equals rather than that of a superior and a subordinate.
“To be entirely candid, the political dynamic between Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi ought to be characterised as one of collegiality between peers, rather than a hierarchy of principal and subordinate,” he wrote.
He added, “The choice to assume a deputy role beneath Obi ought to be interpreted as a testament to political modesty.”
Making a case for Kwankwaso’s political experience, Ahmad recalled that the former Kano State governor served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives before Obi became a prominent figure in national politics.
He also noted that Kwankwaso governed Kano State, which he described as Nigeria’s most populous and politically influential state, for two terms and served as a federal minister.
“If we are assessing political experience, Sen. Kwankwaso probably has a longer and more impressive political background than Peter Obi,” Ahmad stated.
In contrast, the former presidential aide argued that Obi’s major public office experience was limited to his tenure as governor of Anambra State.
“Unlike other candidates, Peter Obi was just a former governor of Anambra State,” he wrote.
Nigerian music star Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has declared that he no longer impregnates women.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The singer made the statement on Saturday during a live performance at Rehab Lounge in Calgary, Canada.
While performing his hit song True Love, 2Baba paused to interact with the audience and playfully asked the women present to identify where his true love was.
He jokingly wondered whether she was standing at the back of the venue or somewhere in front of him before making a remark about his experiences with women.
The award-winning musician told the audience that he had stopped getting women pregnant, adding that he had been making the same confession wherever he performed recently.
He said, “For the purpose of this show, I will pretend like I’ve never seen anything before. Where’s my true love? Is she back there? Is she right here? Is she somewhere here? Where’s my true love? You people shouldn’t put out me for trouble.
“As I said, some ladies they fear to shout. See, everywhere I go these days, I make this confession. As I say, some ladies they fear to shout. I say, I don’t fear to shout. Because I don’t stop to dey give woman belle. Ask anyone, they’ll tell you, I don’t do such thing things again.”
The singer’s comment comes amid public interest in his personal life and relationships.
2Baba was previously married to Nollywood actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia. The couple announced their separation in January 2025 after having two children together.
Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.
The Umuahia-based club was also found guilty of an attempt by one of its officials to disrupt the live broadcast of the match by harassing a crew member of the league’s broadcast partner.
As part of the disciplinary measures, Abia Warriors’ multimedia officer, Chidera Favour Igwe, has been suspended from all NPFL match activities for five matches.
Katsina United, meanwhile, were fined ₦2 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security during their home fixture against Plateau United.
The club was also sanctioned for allowing supporters to encroach onto the field of play during the encounter.
Warri Wolves Receive Heaviest Punishment
Warri Wolves have been handed the most severe sanctions following the unruly behaviour of their supporters during Sunday’s Matchday 10 clash against Kano Pillars in Ozoro.
The Seasiders were fined ₦4.2 million and docked three points and three goals from their accumulated tally. The club was also ordered to play its next three home matches behind closed doors.
According to the NPFL, Warri Wolves failed to provide adequate security at the stadium, resulting in an assault on match officials after the final whistle.
The league further disclosed that the second assistant referee sustained a nose injury and was left bleeding during the incident.
The NPFL stated that all three clubs have 48 hours from the date of notification to appeal their respective sanctions in accordance with the league’s disciplinary procedures.
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