NAPTIP Commander, Ogbu pays advocacy visit to Obinze monarch
By Stanley Okehie

The Commander, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons, Ernest Ogbu, weekend, paid an advocacy visit to the traditional ruler of Obinze Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Enyninnaya Nzeukwu.
Ogbu said the essence of the visit was to sensitize the traditional ruler and his cabinet members on issues of human trafficking and the need to stop sexual exploitation of women in the community.
Ogbu, at the parley, also stressed the need to stop violence against persons, guard the rights and sanctity of human beings, because, life, the commander said, is sacrosanct.
He prayed the monarch to intensify efforts towards raising the consciousness of his people with regards to the damages, risks and consequences associated with human trafficking, such that they will be able to report appropriately when they see such thing going on within the society.
“Victims of human trafficking are subjected to all manner of exploitation and inhuman treatment, in some cases, they die”, the NAPTIP Commander informed while noting that the agency was created to fight for the rights of such people and vulnerable persons in the society.
Ogbu informed that NAPTIP has concluded plans to erect a billboard in the community, which he said, is one of the key components the agency deploys in fighting human trafficking.
According to him, “ignorance is not an excuse to the law and that is why section 12, sub-section 3 of trafficking of persons and enforcement administration enjoins us to raise public awareness against crimes in our society.”
Commander Ogbu recognized the role of traditional rulers in their various communities as custodians of culture, whilst commending Honourbirth Foundation, a community based organization (CBO), for leading the way towards ensuring a safer society for everyone.
Ogbu reassured that NAPTIP will continue to engage and partner with such CBOs to achieve its mandate, noting that in collaboration, there is strength.
The traditional ruler of Obinze Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Enyninnaya Nzeukwu assured of his support to rid the community of crime.
He promised to expedite action towards bringing down those who run afoul of the law.
The Executive Director, Honourbirth Foundation had earlier informed the monarch that the foundation had recorded huge success in Obinze community on issues relating to gender-based violence and promised to do more.