By Matthew Unyove
A committed Delta State Government Agency committed to the campaign against human trafficking, the School Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project (STEAP) has yesterday September 18th, 2026 sensitised Isoko Stakeholders, Security Agencies, Journalists on the prevention, identification and reporting of human trafficking at Oleh, Delta State.
The programme which which took place at Emore Grammar School, Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State brought participants together to deepen their understanding of Trafficking in Human Beings (THB) and promote stronger collaboration among schools, communities, security agencies, the media and other relevant stakeholders in tackling the menace.
In his address, Mr Kelechi Uguru, the Delta State ICMPD Assistant Project Officer explained that the STEAP project was designed to address human trafficking at the school and community levels, particularly among children and other vulnerable groups who may be exposed to trafficking.
He said the project was being implemented in 50 selected schools in the state, with the support and partnership of the World Health Organization (WHO) and other stakeholders.
According to him, “the primary objective of STEAP is to create awareness and sensitise people in schools and communities about human trafficking, its dangers and ways of preventing it”.
Speaking further, he also highlighted the establishment of Vanguard Clubs in schools as part of efforts to sustain anti-trafficking education and advocacy among students.
Mr Kelechi however, called for strategic collaboration amongst stakeholders to redoubled their efforts in curbing this menace of human trafficking in our society.
Presenting the agency’s objectives, Mr Nwaefulu Matthew, CSO project Officer, said the fight against human trafficking required the collective efforts of individuals, communities, institutions and government agencies.
He explained that the programme was aimed at strengthening participants’ ability to identify indicators of Trafficking in Human Beings, while also establishing a community-based reporting system through the appointment of community focal persons.
Speaking on ‘Understanding Trafficking in Human Beings (THB)’, Mrs Oluwakemi Omotoso, CSO Project Coordinator, took participants through the definition and various forms of human trafficking.
She also highlighted trafficking trends and recruitment tactics, drawing attention to red flags, risk factors and the effects of trafficking on victims.
In her presentation on Prevention and Community-based Reporting Mechanisms, Mrs Kemi Omotoso emphasized the roles of security agencies and the media in preventing and responding to human trafficking cases.
She stressed the importance of partnership, confidentiality and ethical considerations in handling and reporting suspected trafficking cases, particularly the need to protect victims and prevent further exposure or harm.
She also explained the appropriate reporting pathway for suspected THB cases, encouraging participants to promptly report concerns through the appropriate channels and ensure that suspected victims receive the necessary protection and support.
Mrs Omotoso therefore, urged media practitioners to deploy the world modern best practices of reporting Human trafficking cases to avoid victims been stigmatized .
The programme also featured an interactive session, during which participants asked questions and shared their experiences and concerns on human trafficking and community safety.
The session provided a platform for participants to discuss practical ways of identifying vulnerable persons, preventing trafficking and improving reporting within their communities.
Highlights of the discourse include nominations of community focal persons to strengthen grassroots reporting and serve as links between communities and relevant authorities in responding to suspected trafficking cases.
The STEAP project, was reportedly stated to have been funded by the Government of the Netherlands.
