The Wife of the Governor of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, has called on stakeholders across the state to unite in the ongoing fight against human trafficking.
Speaking in Umuahia at a preparatory meeting on the establishment of the Abia State Task Force Against Human Trafficking, organized by the State Government in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mrs. Otti emphasized the urgent need for a coordinated and sustainable response to the menace.
According to her, the task force would serve as a platform for government, civil society, law enforcement agencies, and other partners to work hand-in-hand in tackling trafficking. She further revealed that the state government is working towards establishing a dedicated centre for rescued victims, which will include a functional call centre and comprehensive support services to ensure their recovery and protection.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, explained that the task force would play a critical role in the early identification, referral, and support of vulnerable migrants and victims of trafficking. She noted that part of its mandate is to drive massive awareness campaigns and push for a dedicated budget line to strengthen the fight.
On her part, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Felix, applauded Abia State’s proactive efforts in combating human trafficking and urged citizens to continue supporting the Otti-led administration in its mission to safeguard the vulnerable.
The representative of the Director-General of NAPTIP, Mr. Oluwabori Ogunkanmi, commended the state for taking ownership of the initiative. He announced that the task force would be chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, with the State Commandant of NAPTIP, Mrs. Nkem Okafor, serving as co-chair. Other stakeholders include the Ministries of Women Affairs, Labour and Productivity, Justice, security agencies, the media, and civil society organizations.
In her remarks, the Protection Officer of the International Organization for Migration, Mrs. Chibalani Katongo, described the initiative as a landmark step in strengthening collective migration management and protection strategies, as well as in advancing the fight against trafficking in persons.
Stakeholders at the meeting praised Governor Alex Otti for his unwavering commitment to safeguarding human dignity through capacity building, technical support, and institutional strengthening, assuring that victims of human trafficking will receive the protection and opportunities they deserve.
Justice Ndubueze
19th September, 2025.
