Benin City, Edo State, in a united effort to combat human trafficking and promote safe migration, iSafe Global Consulting Hub, through its Connect-Me Initiative, partnered with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Benin Zonal Command, to organize a Road Walk Awareness Campaign in Benin City.

The colourful event brought together youth, students, community leaders, returnees, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens, all marching under one powerful message:

“End Human Trafficking. Protect Lives. Empower Communities.”

Confronting the Challenge of Migration Misinformation

Human trafficking remains one of the gravest challenges facing vulnerable migrants, women, and young people across Nigeria and Africa. Thousands are misled each year by false information about migration opportunities,  often spread through social media, unverified recruitment agents, or traffickers who exploit their dreams of a better life abroad.

“Many victims of trafficking begin their journey with misplaced trust in people who promise them jobs or education overseas,” explained Programme Manager of iSafe Global Consulting Hub.
“What they receive instead is exploitation, trauma, and loss. This is why the fight against misinformation must be as strong as the fight against trafficking itself.”

During the road walk, participants engaged residents of Benin City with practical messages on:

• The dangers of irregular migration and trafficking;
• How to identify and report suspected trafficking cases;
• Safe migration pathways and verified support services; and
• The importance of empowering youth and women through education, entrepreneurship, and skills — not risky journeys.
  
  

Community members were encouraged to verify all migration-related information through trusted institutions such as NAPTIP, IOM, and iSafe’s Connect-Me App, rather than relying on unverified online content or “agents.”

Voices of Change and Community Impact

The Road Walk drew enthusiastic participation across Benin City. Many attendees shared personal stories of friends and family who had fallen victim to trafficking networks after believing false promises of work abroad.
Others pledged to become community advocates, spreading awareness in schools, churches, and youth centres.

“We can only end trafficking when people know the truth,” said Joy, a young participant and returnee. “This road walk showed us that migration is not the problem — misinformation is.”

The campaign underscored Edo State’s position as a critical focus area for anti-trafficking interventions. Organizers reaffirmed their commitment to sustained awareness, youth empowerment, and digital access to credible migration information.

A Collective Call to Action

This Road Walk for Change is more than an event; it is a movement for awareness, safety, and empowerment.
Through collaborations like iSafe Global Consulting Hub and NAPTIP, and with the support of digital tools such as the Connect-Me App, Nigeria is taking bold steps to ensure that every person, especially youth, women, and returnees, can make informed choices, migrate safely, and live with dignity.

“Together, we are building a future where migration decisions are guided by knowledge — not deception,” concluded the Programme Manager.
“When people are informed, communities become safer, and lives are transformed.”