OWACDO Sensitizes Over 700 Worshippers in Buruku on Human Trafficking
The STEAP Sensitization in Buruku was nothing short of inspiring. The Okaha Women and Children Development Organisation (OWACDO), under the School Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project (STEAP), conducted a lively and impactful awareness session at NKST Church Boagundu, Buruku Local Government Area.
The invitation came from the church pastor — himself a PTA member and participant at the recent Gboko Cluster Training — who wanted his congregation to benefit from the knowledge he gained. The sensitization took place during the church’s Sunday School Conference, drawing over 700 worshippers eager to understand and fight human trafficking.
Opening Remarks: Setting the Tone
The session opened with remarks from Gbande Sedoo, OWACDO’s Finance Officer, who expressed deep appreciation to the Government of the Netherlands for funding the project and to ICMPD for their continuous partnership. She thanked the church leadership for the warm welcome and emphasized that “ending trafficking begins with community involvement and awareness.”
Technical Sessions: Learning, Engaging, Empowering
The sensitization featured two key facilitation segments that made the complex topic of trafficking relatable and easy to understand.
Presentation by Gbande Sedoo
She covered foundational topics such as:
The definition and basic concepts of human trafficking (means, act, purpose)
Forms and emerging trends, including online recruitment
How to identify traffickers and report suspected cases
Her presentation was interactive, with participants sharing examples from their communities.
Presentation by Udo Nelson Abi (M&E Officer)
Mr. Abi’s session explored:
The drivers of human trafficking — both push and pull factors
The internal and external dimensions of the crime
The effects of trafficking on victims, families, and the nation
His facilitation sparked thoughtful reflection on how economic hardship and misinformation can make families vulnerable.
Active Engagement: Questions and Answers
The congregation participated enthusiastically, asking practical questions about identifying traffickers and protecting young people. Facilitators provided clear explanations, reinforcing the idea that awareness is the first line of defense.
Closing Remarks
The Pastor in charge closed the session with heartfelt thanks to OWACDO and partners. He encouraged worshippers to spread the knowledge gained, adding that “human trafficking is real, and every family has a role in protecting our children.”
Conclusion: Communities Taking the Lead
The STEAP Sensitization in Buruku was a resounding success. More than 700 participants left the church empowered with knowledge and determination to safeguard their communities.
OWACDO remains committed to strengthening grassroots awareness and ensuring that every citizen of Benue State can recognize, report, and resist human trafficking.
Read more about our Humanitarian Response Projects HERE.
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ICMPD website
Government of Netherlands website
NAPTIP Nigeria website