PLATEAU STATE GENDER COMMISSION CHAIRPERSON CHARGES CHURCH TO LEAD FIGHT AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING

The Acting Chairperson of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission (PLASGEOC), Barr. Olivia Dazyam, has called on churches and community-based organizations to take a leading role in combating human trafficking by strengthening family values, promoting economic empowerment, and encouraging citizens to report suspected trafficking cases.

She made the call while delivering a keynote address as the guest speaker at the Second General Meeting of the Jos Central Baptist Association of the Plateau Baptist Conference, Nigerian Baptist Convention. The meeting was themed "Combating the Scourge of Human Trafficking: The Role of the Church and Community-Based Organizations."

In her opening remarks, Barr. Dazyam expressed gratitude to the church for the invitation, describing it as a privilege to once again engage with faith-based leaders on an issue that threatens the well-being of families and communities.

She began by explaining the meaning of the conference theme, noting that the word scourge refers to a severe affliction or something that causes great suffering, hardship, or widespread problems.

"We have a scourge in our hands," she said, adding that poverty remains a scourge in many communities, while gender-based violence continues to inflict pain on families and society.

Drawing from Proverbs 14:26, she emphasized that the fear of God is the foundation of secure and stable families. She further referenced Ecclesiastes 12:13, urging Christians to "fear God and keep His commandments," stressing that obedience to God remains the surest guide for responsible parenting and community living.

Speaking on the growing menace of human trafficking, the Commission's Chairperson described the abandonment of parental responsibilities as both a crime and a sin. She lamented that while trafficking previously targeted mostly children, recent trends indicate that widows are also being trafficked outside Plateau State in search of false promises of better opportunities.

Barr. Dazyam urged members of the Church not to remain silent whenever they suspect trafficking or other forms of abuse.

"When you see something, say something," she charged, explaining that although government agencies are working tirelessly to address the problem, citizens also have a critical role to play.

"There is only so much government can do. Government cannot do everything. Every one of us must rise to our responsibilities," she said.

She warned that parents and guardians who neglect their responsibilities or engage in activities that expose vulnerable persons to trafficking would face the full weight of the law.

"When we apprehend offenders, we ensure they are arrested, arraigned, and prosecuted. We have already secured convictions against perpetrators," she stated.

Quoting 1 Timothy 5:8, Barr. Dazyam reminded parents and guardians of their biblical responsibility to provide for and protect members of their households. She also challenged families to overcome bitterness, hatred, and unresolved conflicts, noting that peaceful homes are less vulnerable to exploitation and trafficking.

In a candid moment, she remarked that many Plateau women endure unhealthy marriages for the sake of their families, using the resilience of the eagle as an illustration of perseverance while encouraging families to pursue wisdom, healing, and mutual responsibility.

Concluding her address, Barr. Dazyam appealed to churches to move beyond preaching by creating practical opportunities for economic empowerment through skills acquisition and vocational programmes for members.

She stressed that equipping vulnerable persons with sustainable livelihoods would reduce their susceptibility to trafficking and other forms of exploitation.

Reiterating the message of 1 Timothy 5:8, she urged the church to continue strengthening families, promoting responsible parenting, and partnering with government in safeguarding the dignity and future of every member of society.

The meeting brought together ministers of the Gospel, church leaders, and members of the Jos Central Baptist Association, who reaffirmed their commitment to supporting efforts aimed at ending human trafficking and protecting vulnerable persons across Plateau State.