Commissioner Onyekesi warns parents, youths against unverified overseas job offers
…as ministry partners NACTAL to fight trafficking
Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Anambra State, Mrs. Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, has called on parents, guardians, and community leaders to remain vigilant against fraudulent recruitment schemes.
She also urged young persons to be cautious of unverified job offers, especially those requiring travel outside the country.
The call was made on Saturday, during the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons marked in collaboration with the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour, NACTAL, Anambra State Chapter.
The event was held at the front of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Ekwueme Square, Awka, the state capital.
www.odogwublog.com reports that this year’s theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam,” focused attention on the growing menace of trafficking disguised through fraudulent job offers, online scams, and deceptive recruitment schemes that continue to ensnare unsuspecting victims, particularly women, children, and young persons.
Participants, dressed in branded T-shirts and holding placards with the inscription “Say No to Human Trafficking,” embarked on a sensitisation walk to create awareness among residents of Awka and the wider public on the dangers of human trafficking.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the Soludo administration to the protection of women and children against exploitation and abuse.
She said: “The Ministry, under the leadership of Governor Charles Soludo, remains unwavering in its commitment to the protection of women and children against exploitation and abuse. Our collaboration with NACTAL today reflects government’s resolve to strengthen partnerships with civil society organisations in tackling this menace that has continued to destroy the future of our youths. We cannot fold our arms while our children are lured with promises of greener pastures that turn out to be traps.
“We call on parents, guardians, and community leaders to remain vigilant against fraudulent recruitment schemes. To our young persons, I urge you to exercise extreme caution regarding unverified job offers, particularly those requiring travel outside the country. If an offer sounds too good to be true, please verify through the appropriate channels before making any decision. Your safety is more important than any promised job.”
Mrs. Onyekesi also commended NACTAL for its sustained advocacy and sensitisation efforts in the state.
“We commend NACTAL for its continued advocacy and tireless work in the fight against trafficking, abuse and labour. The Ministry reiterates its readiness to support all initiatives aimed at ending human trafficking in Anambra State. Together, we can build a society where no child or woman is trafficked or exploited,” she added.
The Zonal Coordinator of NACTAL in the state said the partnership with the Ministry was critical to reaching grassroots communities and schools with anti-trafficking messages.
The 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed globally on 30th July every year to raise awareness on human trafficking and promote the protection of victims.
