Izzy Ogbeide Urges Nigerian Government to End Child Trafficking 

Summary: Izzy Ogbeide, a Nigerian media personality and survivor of human trafficking, has publicly called out the Nigerian government to take decisive action against child trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Izzy Ogbeide, a Nigerian media personality and survivor of human trafficking, has made a public call for the Nigerian government to take decisive action against child trafficking and sexual exploitation. Her advocacy stems from her personal experience of being trafficked from Nigeria to Italy as a minor. 

In the viral video shared on her Instagram handle, Izzy revealed that she was a victim of human trafficking who was trafficked to Italy as a child to engage in prostitution. She explained that while parents might struggle with debts, it is “disgusting to give their child away to anyone.” She mentioned that the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), as a government agency, has failed woefully to curb human trafficking in the country because it lacks experience, which is one of the core keys to getting the job done.

“It’s the government’s responsibility to take care of the people, to provide and secure the people, especially children. I am calling on the government in power now to do something about it,” she stated.

Referring to the victims of prostitution in Libya, the media personality sympathises with them, arguing that the trauma they endured could make them abnormal, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. She further advised survivors of human trafficking not to blame themselves because it’s the government and fathers’ fault who failed to take up their responsibilities. 

“If you’re a victim of human trafficking, do not blame yourself or listen to any negative people trying to blame your Mom. They should blame your Dad, who is the provider and the government.”

Additionally, she shared that despite hunger and insecurity in the country, more girls are being trafficked while the NATTIP officials sit cross-armed in air-conditioned offices. She also blamed the parents for sitting idle at home while their daughters are being trafficked. She aggressively calls on the government to act, urging it to act quickly.  She suggested that curbing human trafficking across the country should be a required manifesto to add to the ongoing political campaign. 

“There is no charity support for women who have been through modern-day slavery. NATTIP cannot do the job alone. Mr President, add this to your campaign. We need people with experience who can get the job done, people with heart to help,” she concluded.