by Bavoriat Dabo
The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) stood in solidarity with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and other critical stakeholders during the 2025 Annual Global Awareness Walk Against Human Trafficking, held in Abuja to mark the International Day Against Human Trafficking.
Defying heavy rainfall in the Federal Capital Territory, the symbolic walk drew broad participation from senior government officials, civil society organizations, media representatives, and international partners including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), International Organisation for Migration (IOM), International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), and the International and Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies (FIAPP).
Representing the Director-General of NSCC, Hon. Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe, was the Head of Corporate Affairs, Media and Strategic Communications, Mr. Omini Oden, who delivered a compelling goodwill message on behalf of the Centre.
Mr. Oden spotlighted the often-overlooked vulnerability of older persons within the broader human trafficking and abuse conversation. He emphasized that the NSCC’s partnership with NAPTIP has continued to evolve as a strategic alliance aimed at protecting the rights and dignity of senior citizens across the country.
He noted that for over three years, the NSCC has worked closely with NAPTIP on critical interventions that address prevention, rescue, and rehabilitation in cases of elder abuse. Their collaboration has resulted in the inclusion of older persons in NAPTIP’s state-level structures and the NSCC’s Community Response Mechanism. It has also enhanced the use of NAPTIP’s toll-free helplines 07030000203 and 0800-CALL NAPTIP and its Rapid Response Squad to tackle elder abuse more efficiently. Through targeted community sensitization, the partnership has also empowered Nigerians to identify and report cases of exploitation and neglect involving senior citizens.
Reaffirming the Centre’s commitment, Mr. Oden declared that the NSCC will continue to work hand in hand with NAPTIP and other partners to create a society where older persons are safe, valued, and protected.
The Director-General of NAPTIP, Hajia Binta Adamu-Bello, described the walk as a bold message to human traffickers and exploiters that their time is up. She commended all participating partners, especially the NSCC, for bringing attention to the silent suffering of older victims and expanding the scope of protection efforts.
The event reinforced the national resolve to combat human trafficking through inclusive action, strategic partnerships, and a human rights-based approach that ensures no one—young or old is left behind.
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