02/06/2026
PRESS BRIEF
Voice of the Ijaw Girl Child (VIGC)
RE: Courtesy Visit to NAPTIP Bayelsa State Command
Voice of the Ijaw Girl Child (VIGC) recently paid a courtesy visit to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Bayelsa State Command, with the aim of exploring opportunities for partnership and collaboration in the fight against human trafficking and gender-based violence.
The team was received by Mrs. Ngozi Okara, Second Commander of the NAPTIP Bayelsa State Command, who commended VIGC for the visit and affirmed that the initiative was a step in the right direction.
During the meeting, Mrs. Ngozi highlighted that human trafficking has become increasingly centred on the girl-child, making the work of organisations like VIGC more critical than ever. She encouraged VIGC to sustain its efforts, noting that girls across the Niger Delta cannot afford to lose their futures to modern-day slavery.
Both parties identified key areas for collaboration including partnership, training, empowerment, and case referral. NAPTIP confirmed its readiness to receive and act on referrals from VIGC on cases of human trafficking. It was also noted that while NAPTIP has the capacity to investigate cases under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, such cases are returned to the police for prosecution.
Mrs. Ngozi, who brings over 20 years of investigative experience to her role, expressed confidence in the potential of the VIGC-NAPTIP collaboration to strengthen protection systems for girls and women in Bayelsa State.
VIGC remains committed to building strategic alliances that advance justice, safety, and empowerment for the Ijaw girl-child.
