Ogun State Chapter, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has joined womenfolk world over in commemoration of the year 2026 International Women's Day, themed, "Give to gain", in recognition of their strength, intelligence, resilience and impacts across all spheres of life.
Chairman of the Chapter, Mrs Oluwaseun Boye, eulogised women professionals during the March Edition of the Chapter's Business Meeting, where she praised women and charged them to step forward, take responsibility and volunteer for leadership roles, as well as mentor young women.
Boye further charged them to influence, change narratives and occupy decision making processes, as the future of Public Relations in the State must reflect their brilliance and capacity.
"Today, we proudly celebrate the women of Ogun NIPR. We celebrate your competence, your leadership, your sacrifices, strength and bold visibility. As communication professionals, we understand the power of voice, so, I call on all women in this Chapter to take up that challenge, not just to participate but to live", she charged.
Also, the Comptroller, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Ogun State Command, Mrs Olufunke Yetunde Odusote, who delivered a pep-talk on the topic, "Addressing Human Trafficking and Gender Abuses: The Role of Nigeria Immigration Service"; noted that International Women's Day globally coordinated by United Nations Women is not merely a celebration but a call to action to protect the dignity, rights and security of women and girls across the world.
She described human trafficking as grave violations of human rights, disproportionately affecting women and children, which involves recruitment, transportation, transfer harbouring or receipt of persons through force, coercion, deception or abuse of power for the purpose of exploitation, against which the NIS occupies a strategic position to prevent, detect and combat the crimes.
She further explained gender based abuses as sexual exploitation, forced marriages, domestic violence, economic exploitation, emotional and psychological abuses, which she said are linked with irregular migration, poverty, misinformation and systemic gender inequality, over which Nigeria has demonstrated commitment through National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, Nigeria Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, among others.
The NIS Boss called on the media, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil societies as well as Public Relations Professionals and Institutions like NIPR to join hands with government agencies in public enlightenment to change the harmful narratives and advocate for economic empowerment, education and mentorship to reduce vulnerability.
Odusote disclosed that the NIS in collaboration with other security agencies would continue to explore smarter border systems, stronger public awareness, strengthening border technology and promote merit, professionalism and equal opportunities.
As this year's International Women's Day is being celebrated globally, she called for concerted efforts by all to educate the populace, engage women in the fight against the menace of human trafficking and gender based abuses in a bid to reduce it to barest minimum.
"Human trafficking and gender abuses are not just security concerns; they are moral and developmental crisis. The Nigeria Immigration Service remains resolute in securing borders, protecting vulnerable populations strengthening partnerships and promoting gender equity. As we reflect this year's International Women's Day, let us remember, when we protect women and children, we protect our nation and that's our collective responsibility", NIS Boss pleaded.
A former Chairman of the Chapter, who is currently a Council Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Mr. Tope Adaranola lent his voice saying, "as long as human activities continue to roll, Public Relations activities must roll with it, hence PR approaches must be incorporated into combating human trafficking and gender based violence".
Participants at the meeting asked questions on grey areas, shared experiences and appreciated the guest speaker for the insights given.
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