The STEAP Training in Gboko lit up Winika Hotels on 19 September 2025, as PTAs and SBMCs from 35 schools came together with one mission: Stop Trafficking! Backed by the Government of the Netherlands, implemented by ICMPD, and powered locally by NAPTIP and OWACDO, the training was more than a workshop — it was a rallying call for schools and communities to unite, protect children, and build safer learning environments.
Training Highlights
Opening Remarks
OWACDO’s Executive Director opened the session, urging participants to champion school-level initiatives against trafficking.
Goodwill Messages
ICMPD’s State Project Officer, Selbol Langyi, encouraged schools to see themselves as first responders.
Aule Timothy Ageba, Desk Officer for the Ministry of Education, highlighted government commitment to child protection.
Expert Facilitation
NAPTIP’s Zonal Commander, led a powerful session on recognizing, preventing, and reporting trafficking, emphasizing the urgency of collective vigilance.
Group Engagement
Participants engaged in role plays, discussions, and a rousing chant of the call to action slogan: “If you see something, say something!”
Voices from Participants
As the curtains drew on the STEAP Training in Gboko, the room buzzed with energy and conviction. For many, the two days were more than just a workshop — it was a turning point.
One participant described the training as “an eye-opener to the dangers of human trafficking,” explaining that the sessions revealed just how vulnerable children in schools and communities can be, and how urgently action is needed.
Another PTA leader called it “a call to collective action to safeguard children in our schools and communities.” She stressed that the responsibility now rests with parents, teachers, and SBMCs to put the lessons into practice — from spotting red flags to reporting cases and raising awareness among students.
The overall mood was clear: trafficking can only be stopped if everyone stands together — and the training gave participants both the courage and the tools to make that stand.
Strong Partnerships at Work
The strength of the STEAP Project lies not only in its content but also in the powerful coalition driving it forward. With the Government of the Netherlands providing funding, ICMPD guiding implementation, and NAPTIP and OWACDO anchoring local delivery, the project continues to weave together the kind of partnerships that make lasting change possible.
Together, these partners are:
Building school and community capacity — ensuring that PTAs and SBMCs are no longer bystanders but active defenders against human trafficking.
Equipping school structures with practical tools — from referral pathways to awareness strategies, giving parents and teachers the confidence to act when a child is at risk.
Fostering collaboration across sectors — linking schools, civil society, and law enforcement so that efforts are not scattered but united in one clear mission: to protect children.
This shared commitment shows that combating trafficking is not the responsibility of one group alone, but a collective stand powered by strong partnerships at every level.
Looking Ahead
The STEAP Training in Gboko marks another milestone in building safer schools in Benue State. With empowered PTAs and SBMCs, children can look forward to learning in environments that are vigilant, protective, and united against trafficking.
Explore our Humanitarian project here.
Read more about our partners: ICMPD, NAPTIP Nigeria and the Government of the Netherlands.