The Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, has called for concerted efforts by government, community leaders, parents and civil society organisations to tackle the growing cases of human trafficking in the state.
Onyekesi made the call on Thursday, October 29, 2026, during the seventh anniversary celebration of Zaram Life Foundation at Golden Tulip Hotel, Awka, held under the theme, “From Grassroots Action to Lasting Impact: Building Communities Where Everyone Thrives.”
The Commissioner described the theme as consistent with her Ministry’s mandate, emphasising that sustainable social development begins at the grassroots through deliberate efforts to protect families, empower women and young people, and provide support for vulnerable members of society.
She commended the leadership and members of Zaram Life Foundation for seven years of dedicated service, noting that effective partnerships between government and civil society organisations were essential to expanding social interventions and achieving lasting community impact.
Expressing concern over human trafficking, Onyekesi warned that unsuspecting individuals were increasingly being lured into exploitation through deceptive promises of employment, football opportunities and better living conditions in major cities such as Lagos and Abuja, as well as overseas.
She explained that victims often end up in prostitution, forced labour and domestic servitude, while some are exploited through illegal baby factories where infants are sold under the guise of adoption.
The Commissioner stressed that human trafficking affects not only children but also women, girls, boys and young men. She therefore urged parents and guardians to thoroughly verify employment opportunities and travel arrangements before allowing their children or wards to leave home.
She also called on traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the Police, the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare in Awka, or the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
Addressing the plight of trafficking survivors, Onyekesi appealed to communities to end stigmatisation and discrimination against victims, stressing the need to support their rehabilitation, reintegration and recovery.
“Anambra people are known for industry, not for selling their own blood,” she said, urging residents to unite against human trafficking and protect vulnerable members of their communities.
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to collaborating with Zaram Life Foundation and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen social protection systems and ensure that grassroots initiatives deliver meaningful and sustainable benefits.
The Commissioner also expressed appreciation to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, for his leadership and support for programmes promoting social welfare and community development.
