On April 25, 2025, the Society for the Empowerment of Young Persons (SEYP) took a bold step in the fight against human trafficking by hosting a stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Benin City, Edo State. Supported by the Resilience Fund and the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime, the event brought together key players in the fight against trafficking, including representatives from NAPTIP, NACTAL, EDMA, and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
Purpose of the Engagement
The meeting, held at M-View Hotel, was designed to rally support and set the stage for empowering female survivors of human trafficking in Edo State. The discussions focused on:
- Stakeholder Roles: Outlining how stakeholders can identify and nominate female survivors for empowerment programs.
- Mentorship and Vocational Training: Clarifying the structure of upcoming initiatives aimed at equipping survivors with life-changing skills.
- Community Sensitization: Strategizing on ways to reduce stigma and promote gender equality in communities affected by trafficking and irregular migration.
- Targeted Areas for Awareness Campaigns: Highlighting key communities where sensitization efforts will be focused.
Key Highlights of the Meeting
The session, which started at 9:00 AM and ended at 2:05 PM, was packed with insightful discussions and actionable steps.
- Nomination of Survivors: Stakeholders were tasked with nominating five female survivors of trafficking who have some knowledge or experience in ICT, makeup, catering, or fashion. For easy access to mentors and support, nominees must reside in Benin City.
- Mentorship and Grant Support: A two-day mentorship program is scheduled for May 5–6, 2025. During this program, survivors will be paired with mentors to guide them. The top 10 participants will each receive a grant of ₦591,500 to help them establish their businesses.
- Six-Month Sensitization Campaign: The plan includes radio programs, community dialogues, and face-to-face engagements to create awareness and fight stigma.
- Target Communities: Areas such as Upper Sakponba, Evwotubu, Ikpoba Okha, Upper Siloko, Ekewan, Uhunwonde, and Oriohwon LGAs were identified as high-priority zones for interventions.
Contributions from Stakeholders
Stakeholders brought a wealth of knowledge to the table, sharing key insights and practical suggestions:
- Trafficking Trends: They identified online recruitment, child labor, and sexual exploitation as some of the most common methods used by traffickers.
- Community Hotspots: High-risk areas were mapped out to guide sensitization efforts.
- Awareness Tools: Suggestions included using questionnaires, one-on-one interviews, and establishing feedback systems to measure the impact of the campaigns.
A Shared Vision for a Better Future
The meeting ended with a vote of thanks and a group photograph, a symbolic gesture of unity and shared purpose. This engagement underscored the commitment of all parties to empowering survivors, combating trafficking, and fostering equality in Edo State.
What Lies Ahead
SEYP and its partners are ready to take bold steps to change lives. The mentorship program, grants for business start-ups, and sensitization campaigns will provide survivors with the tools and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives.
This initiative is a reminder that with collective effort, we can create a society where trafficking is eradicated, and survivors have the chance to live with dignity and purpose. Together, we can make a difference.