The Institute of Strategic and Development Communication (ISDEVCOM) of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, have forged a partnership with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) towards addressing the pressing issues of migration and human trafficking.

To this end, the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta L. Adamu Bello, will deliver an incisive keynote address at the international conference which begins on March 27 in Keffi.

This followed a partnership meeting held at the NAPTIP?s headquarters in Abuja between delegates from the Institute and officials of the agency.

The meeting focused on establishing a collaborative partnership for the successful hosting of the sixth edition of ISDEVCOM?s international conference, which is themed ?Japa: Communicating Migration and Africa?s Development.?

The ISDEVCOM team was led by Dr Azubuike Erinugha, a lecturer at the institute and had National President of ISDEVCOM Scholars Alumni Association, Dr George Ndukwu; Chairperson of the Local Organ?sing Committee, Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye; Registrar of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr Uzoma Onyegbadue; Legal adviser of the Alumni Association, Dr Ephraim Okon; Community Relations Officer of the Association Mazi Achilleus-Chud Uchegbu; Head, Marketing Committee of the Conference, Ms. Ekas Esosa and Secretary of the LOC, Mr. Henry Okowuru.

Leader of the delegation, Dr. Erinugha, expressing gratitude for NAPTIP?s willingness to partner with the Institute, stated that ?japa syndrome? was robbing Nigeria of its youths.

He lauded NAPTIP for its role in fight the scour of human trafficking and illegal migration adding that the agency?s support to the ISDEVCOM Conference would go a long way in building greater synergy with the university community to expand the campaign against human trafficking and illegal migration.

?We are here today to explore how we can work together to raise awareness about migration issues that affect our communities. NAPTIP is a leading agency in this fight, and having your support at our conference will significantly amplify our message,? he said.

Commenting, Dr. Ndukwu emphasized the importance of NAPTIP?s involvement, saying, ?This conference is not just an academic gathering; it is a platform for action. We believe that by partnering with NAPTIP, we can provide a comprehensive view of the challenges surrounding human trafficking and migration in Nigeria.?

Amplifying the message, Dr Okon noted that, ?Our goal is to create a robust dialogue that includes all stakeholders. By featuring NAPTIP as a key partner, we can ensure that the voices of those affected by trafficking are heard loud and clear.?

Also speaking, Chief Onyegbadue harped on the global visibility the conference would offer NAPTIP to reach a wider audience with its message, given that it?s well-established partnership between it and the NIPR, which is a strong member of the Global Alliance, the world body for public relations organisations.

The Director General, who was represented at the meet by Barr Hassan Tahir, acknowledged the importance of collaboration in combating human trafficking.

He said, ?NAPTIP has made substantial strides in addressing human trafficking in Nigeria. However, we recognize that partnerships are essential for expanding our reach and impact. This conference presents an invaluable opportunity for us to share our initiatives and educate the public about the realities of trafficking.?

Also speaking, the Director of Legal and Prosecution at NAPTIP, Barr Ijeoma Amugo, said NAPTIP and ISDEVCOM would collaborate to develop policies that not only address trafficking but also provide support for victims adding that the agency ?is committed to this cause, and we see this partnership as a vital step towards achieving our common goals.?

Other NAPTIP executives at the meeting include the Director of Public Enlightenment, Dr. Kehinde Akomolafe; Deputy Director Legal and Prosecution, Mrs. Becky Aderonke; Deputy Director Research and Programme Development, Rasheed Olatunji, and Head, Press and Public Relations, Cynthia Obianuju Nnoli.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from both parties to formalize their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This MOU will outline collaborative efforts in research initiatives and public awareness campaigns aimed at combating human trafficking.

The 6th International Conference on Communication and Development in Africa, which will hold physically and virtually, is expected to attract scholars and experts on migration and communication studies across Africa.

?PHOTO: From L-R, Community Relations Officer of the Association Mazi Achilleus-Chud Uchegbu; Legal adviser of the Alumni Association, Dr Ephraim Okon; Head, Marketing Subcommittee of the Conference, Ms. Ekas Esosa and Secretary of the LOC, Mr. Henry Okowuru; Leader of ISDEVCOM delegation and lecturer at the institute, Dr Azubuike Erinugha; Barr Hassan Tahir (representative of Director General of NAPTIP, Binta L. Adamu Bello); Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye; National President of ISDEVCOM Scholars Alumni Association, Dr George Ndukwu; and Registrar of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Chief Uzoma Onyegbadue; during the courtesy call to NAPTIP to seek partnership with the agency for the successful hosting of the VI edition of international conference on development communication, themed ?Japa: Communicating Migration and Africa?s Development.?

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