By Fr. Augustine Akhogba and Mr. Timothy Ejeh
The Migrants and Refugees Unit of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria led other agents of pastoral care of migration in Nigeria to mark the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking on 8th February, 2025. The event, commemorated every year since 2015, is both a celebration of the life of St. Josephine Bakhita, a Sudanese nun who was initially sold into slavery, and a call to collective action against human trafficking.
The Migrants and Refugees Unit of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria is an affiliate of the Migrants and Refugees Section of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development at the Holy See. The Vatican office issued the Pastoral Orientations on Human Trafficking in 2019 to “orient the work … of Catholic dioceses, parishes and religious congregations, schools and universities, by Catholic and other organizations of civil society and by any groups willing to respond” to the scourge of human trafficking.
In the lead up and on the Day of commemoration itself, pastoral agents in Diocesan Migrants and Refugees Units as well as Religious Congregations across the country organized various religious, social and civil society events to draw attention to the plights of victims and survivors of human trafficking, and to create or raise awareness about its dangers.
In Onitsha Archdiocese, the Unit conducted a research on human trafficking and modern slavery in Anambra State, Nigeria. Using the expose and oppose approach, the study highlighted the various forms and causes of the human trafficking, recommending stringent proactive measures to combat it.
The Unit also sensitized over 700 children and adolescents who attended Mass, using simple language, storytelling, and engaging discussions to identify and prevent human trafficking, recognize deceptive tactics used by traffickers, and understand the importance of personal safety.
The Uromi Diocesan Unit embarked on an awareness creation exercise at the Uromi motor-park, where they engaged with over 60 participants, mostly transporters. Highlighting the hardship faced by victims and survivors, participants were urged to be more vigilant and observant to signs of human trafficking, such as young girls or boys travelling with unrelated adults, passengers exhibiting fear, confusion, or an inability to communicate, avoiding eye-contact or appearing to be under external control. They were encouraged to report suspicious cases directly to the authorities such as the police or NAPTIP, or to the Unit’s office. The Unit also enjoined parish priests across the Diocese to use the pulpit to sensitize members of their congregation on the ills of human trafficking.
The Migrants and Refugees Unit of Ogoja Diocese marked the Bakhita Day by offering prayers and awareness messages in every parish as well as engaging the public via a social media jingle that went on WhatsApp and Instagram. These activities were aimed at celebrating the life of St. Josephine Bakhita and sensitizing the public on the ills of human trafficking. Pastoral agents in the Ogoja Unit report from their findings that forced labour and prostitution are prevalent among women, youths and children in the Cross River North and central senatorial districts, often putting them in danger of trafficking. Commemorating Bakhita Day was an opportunity to call every stakeholder to rise up against the crime.
In Wukari Diocese, events were organized to mark Bakhita Day, beginning with the Holy Mass. The Coordinator of the Migrants and Refugees Unit gave a reflection on the life of St. Bakhita, from her slavery experience to sainthood. Thereafter, a short drama was presented on the dangers of human trafficking in our societies. The Mass was concluded with prayers offered on behalf of victims of human trafficking.
In a collaborative effort, the Sokoto Diocesan Unit teamed up with the Bakhita Initiative (JDPC Sokoto) to organize a one-day capacity building session on February 8, 2025, to commemorate Bakhita Day. The session brought together key stakeholders, including NAPTIP, NACTAL, and 43 staff members from the Bakhita Centre and JDPC Sokoto, to strengthen their capacity to manage and report trafficking cases effectively. Critical insights from the social perspectives were provided through presentations were made by Mr. Rufus, State Coordinator of NACTAL Sokoto Chapter and Mr. Abubakar Abdullahi Tabra, the Zonal Commander of NAPTIP Sokoto. DG Williams, Director of JDPC/MRU Sokoto provided the faith-based approach, drawing inspiration from St. Bakhita’s journey of resilience.
Commemoration of Bakhita Day in Bomadi Diocese was organized by the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus who coordinate the Migrants and Refugees Unit. They joined the universal Church to mark the International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking by organizing a sensitization exercise at St. Matthias Catholic Church, Amarata, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State where the people of God were enlightened on the dangers of human trafficking and the need to stop such inhuman acts. Prayers were offered for victims of human trafficking during the Mass.
In Lagos, the Bakhita St. Louis Empowerment Network, Ipaja in collaboration with NCWRaTH and Pan African Catholic theology embarked on a walk against human trafficking to mark the Feast of St. Bakhita. Starting from Sacred Heart Catholic Church Apapa, Lagos, the procession made its way through the market and concluded at the Apapa Local Government, raising awareness about the devastating effects of human trafficking on children. The Network urged the general public to join forces with women religious and the entire Catholic Church to combat human trafficking and protect our children from becoming victims.
On their part, the Religious Sisters of Charity had organized a march against human trafficking a week earlier preparatory to Bakhita Day. The event took place in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos State, where the central message, namely; “Let us join hands in combating human trafficking. Human Trafficking is slavery and dehumanizing,” was delivered to participants.
To round-off Bakhita Day activities, the national office organized a virtual meeting of the agents of pastoral care of migration on Nigeria. The Secretary of the Unit, Fr. Augustine Akhogba, noted that the commemoration was a key feature in the Unit’s pastoral plan for 2025, particularly as it was the Jubilee Year of Hope. He noted that the work of the pastoral agents helps to restore the dashed hopes of the victims and survivors of human trafficking. Delivery the keynote address, based on the theme “Ambassadors of Hope: Together against Human Trafficking,” Sr. Gertrude Elelegu, SSL emphasised importance of the showing love and giving hope to those who have fallen prey to human trafficking. They are not to be blamed, condemned or abandoned, rather they are to be rescued and supported. She enlightened the House on the work of the Bakhita St. Louis Empowerment Network also known as the Bakhita Initiative, stating that over 300 survivors have benefitted from it and gone on to rebuild their lives. She emphasized the importance of prayer to obtain divine help for victims and survivors of human trafficking.
A number of participants narrated their engagements and experiences in connection with the commemoration, highlighting their successes as well as challenges. The event ended with a collective rendition of the Pope’s Prayer to St. Bakhita against human trafficking.
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