WORLD DAY AGAINST TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS 2026: EDO STATE SDGs OFFICE RALLIES CITIZENS TO STAND AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING, PROTECT THE VULNERABLE, EMPOWER COMMUNITIES, AND SAFEGUARD THE FUTURE OF EVERY EDO CHILD

 WORLD DAY AGAINST TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS 2026

EDO STATE SDGs OFFICE: "WE SAY NO TO HUMAN TRAFFICKING: PROTECT OUR PEOPLE, PROTECT OUR FUTURE"

_By Amina Ebor_

Today, *30th July*, the world marks the *World Day Against Trafficking in Persons*.

On behalf of the *Sustainable Development Goals Office, Edo State*, under the visionary leadership of *Hon. Sally Suleiman, Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on SDGs*, join the global community to say *NO to human trafficking*.

Human trafficking steals dreams, breaks families, and robs our young people of their future. It is a direct attack on _SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions_.

At the SDG Office, we see the fight against trafficking as a fight for development itself. Our mandate is to ensure that *no Edo person is left behind, and no Edo person is left vulnerable*.

Edo State Government Action Through EDMA and Immigration Partners

Under the *SHINE AGENDA* of our compassionate Governor, *His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo*, Edo State has zero tolerance for human trafficking and illegal migration.

Through the *Edo State Migration Agency, EDMA* - formerly the Edo State Task Force Against Human Trafficking - the government is recording major gains:

*1. Enforcement, Rescue & Prosecution*

In the last year, EDMA has:

- *30 trafficking cases* at various stages of investigation and trial

- *8 cases charged to court* and *35 traffickers convicted*

- *482 internally trafficked persons rescued* through raids and interventions

- *20 returned migrants* received and supported for reintegration

The DG of EDMA, *Hon. Chief Lucky Agazuma*, affirmed that traffickers and their collaborators are facing the full weight of the law as a deterrent.

*2. Prevention Through Education & Awareness*

In partnership with *NAPTIP, ICMPD, and the Edo Ministry of Education*, EDMA is taking the campaign to schools.

The *School Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project, STEAP* has trained *150 teachers from 50 schools*. In February 2026, *30 students* were inaugurated as anti-trafficking ambassadors in Benin City. This is to "catch them young" and empower children early.

*3. Protection & Community Collaboration*

EDMA is strengthening partnerships with *NAPTIP, NGOs, CSOs, CBOs, traditional and religious institutions* to track, report and support survivors. The Agency has also developed the *S³Q and ERQ models and the 4Ps framework* to help communities coordinate and report trafficking crimes.

*4. Prosperity under the SHINE AGENDA*

Governor Okpebholo is tackling the root causes by creating jobs, skills, and opportunities. He is also engaging youths in government and appointing persons in the diaspora to discourage irregular migration. The goal is an Edo where our youths can *Succeed, Have Hope, Innovate, Nurture their talents, and Excel* at home.

Today we remember the victims, we honor the survivors, and we renew our vow: *Edo will not be a source, transit, or destination for human trafficking.*

Let us all be watchdogs in our communities. *If you see something, say something.* Together, we can end this evil.

*Signed:*

*Hon. Sally Suleiman*

Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Sustainable Development Goals SDGs