Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has restated his administration’s resolve to fight human trafficking and protect vulnerable residents, as the state joined the rest of the world in observing the 2026 World Day Against Human Trafficking.
The Governor was represented at an early-morning awareness walk in Lokoja by the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Dr (Mrs) Folashade Arike Ayoade, who was joined by government officials, state lawmakers, security personnel, civil society groups, students and other residents for the campaign.
Held under the theme “Trapped Behind the Scam,” the walk began at about 6:30 a.m. from Paparanda Square, proceeded through the New Layout area of the capital, and ended at the Government House. It was organised by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Human Trafficking, Hon. Patience Avosuahi, in partnership with the Avosuahi Global Initiative/Exploitation and the Generous Creative Care Foundation (GCCF).
Speaking on the Governor’s behalf, Ayoade said the state government remained dedicated to protecting the rights and dignity of Kogi residents and to addressing the root causes that leave people exposed to trafficking. She described trafficking as a serious criminal enterprise that feeds on poverty, ignorance and deception, and called on parents, community and religious leaders, and schools to educate young people about its dangers.
She further urged residents to support law enforcement by supplying credible information that could help break up trafficking networks operating in and beyond the state.
Officials present alongside the SSG included the Majority Leader of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Salihu Abdulrazaq, other members of the Assembly, special advisers and senior special assistants to the Governor, as well as officers of the Nigeria Police Force, personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), students and civil society representatives.
In her remarks, Avosuahi explained that the campaign was designed to expose the deceptive methods traffickers use and to encourage residents to play an active role in prevention. She noted that many victims are lured through false promises of jobs, education or a better life before being exploited, and said the campaign theme was chosen to reflect how traffickers specifically target women, children and unemployed young people through scam-like tactics.
She encouraged residents to stay alert, verify any job or travel offer that seems suspicious, and promptly report suspected trafficking cases to the appropriate authorities. Avosuahi stressed that ending the practice would require a collective effort involving government, security agencies, traditional and religious institutions, schools, parents, development partners and communities. She also commended Governor Ododo for creating the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Human Trafficking and for backing initiatives to protect vulnerable people, raise awareness and build stronger partnerships against the crime.
The Majority Leader of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Suleiman Abdulrazaq, and the lawmaker representing Ajaokuta State Constituency, Hon. Jibril Onoru-Oiza Abu, said sustained public enlightenment and stronger cooperation among stakeholders were essential to tackling trafficking. The Majority Leader assured participants of the Assembly’s continued backing for laws and policies aimed at protecting victims, strengthening prosecution of offenders, and improving preventive measures statewide.
Representatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the NDLEA also urged residents to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity, noting that timely tips remain a critical tool in combating trafficking and organised crime. Representatives of the partner organisations spoke on the social, psychological and economic toll trafficking takes on victims and their families, and called for deeper collaboration between government bodies, non-governmental organisations and local communities.
Throughout the walk, participants carried banners and placards with messages including “Awareness Saves Lives,” “Community Action,” “End Exploitation,” “Protect Dignity” and “Build a Safer World.” They also chanted campaign slogans such as “See Something, Say Something, Stop Something” and “Be the Voice, End the Silence” as they made their way through parts of Lokoja.
The event was part of broader activities marking the 2026 World Day Against Human Trafficking, with participants underscoring the need for continued awareness, effective enforcement, community vigilance and stronger institutional collaboration to protect vulnerable people and combat trafficking in Kogi State.
