As part of efforts to strengthen its advocacy efforts, the Centre for Social Awareness, Advocacy and Ethics (CSAAE) has established a partnership with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
CSAAE’s Chief Operating Officer, Francisca Ekwonu, said this when the Centre paid a courtesy visit to NAPTIP in Owerri, on Tuesday.


Ekwonu said that in line with the organization’s goals of promoting human rights advocacy, good governance and respect for the rule of law, it would be supporting NAPTIP’s anti trafficking efforts to nip the ugly trend in the bud.
She said that CSAAE’s would deploy its advocacy tools such as the C-advocate newspaper, the C-advocate TV and the organization’s Pro Bono Lawyers, to give a voice to the activities of NAPTIP and help restore the dignity of victims of trafficking.
“ We remain committed to the protection of victims of trafficking, as part of our efforts to protect human rights and insist on the rule of law.

“ As a Non Governmental Organization, the CSAAE seeks to reduce the abuse of human rights and the rule of law while giving each member of the society a voice.
“ Victims of trafficking and abuse can report to us through our toll-free phone line, 0800 900 1000 and we will be there to assist “, she said.
In a response, NAPTIP’s Commander in Imo, Mr Ernest Ogbu, thanked the CSAAE for the partnership initiative and added that the agency would readily collaborate for best results.
“ We are open to holistic collaborations that will aid our job, especially as we engage in public enlightenment and sensitization to fight against human trafficking “, he said.
He added that the agency also arrests and prosecutes suspected traffickers, but decried the paucity of operational vehicles and a detention facility among other needs.
He however thanked security agencies in the state for assisting the agency with detention while reiterating the agency’s commitment to its constitutionally assigned duties irrespective of challenges.