During the award ceremony, IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Mr. Laurent De Boeck, highlighted the UN agency’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians to combat trafficking through creative storytelling. He described film as a universal medium capable of illustrating untold stories that can inspire, educate, and inform the public about the dangers of trafficking and smuggling.
“The youth are among the most vulnerable to this crime, so it is crucial to amplify their voices in our efforts to address it,” De Boeck said. He praised the contest winners for their artistic talent and social responsibility, noting that their films shine a light on the harsh realities of human trafficking while inspiring hope and action.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Amb. Tanimu Aduda, represented by Mr. Felix Nwaeseni, Chief Community Development Officer on Child Protection, emphasized the importance of public awareness in combating human trafficking. Aduda noted that factors like poverty, insurgency, and lack of awareness make many Nigerians vulnerable to traffickers.
He outlined the government’s strategies to reduce vulnerability, including public awareness campaigns, economic and social policy reforms, and strengthened legislative measures. “These steps are crucial in eliminating the vulnerabilities to human trafficking and building resilience among vulnerable groups,” Aduda stated.
Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), also commended the short film initiative. Represented by Dame Ebele Ulasi, Director of Intelligence, Training, and Manpower Development at NAPTIP, Waziri-Azi stressed the importance of both action and awareness in the fight against trafficking. “The powerful stories showcased through these short films serve as beacons of hope, illuminating the realities of trafficking and inspiring action,” she said.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards: a first prize of $2,000 to David Michael, a second prize of $1,000 to Grace Olubiyo, and a high-resolution laptop to Erica Bale for third place.
