Four Nigerian filmmakers have won $8,000 from the International Organization for Migration(IOM) for their contributions in promoting and creating awareness about the nagging issues of human trafficking in the country.
The four award-winning film makers include Miss Letitia Ijeoma Osita-Obasi(first prize winner) received $2,000, Adeola Andrea Peregrino(second prize winner), Kongs Shamaki(third winner) received $2,000 and $1,000 respectively, while Efunshile Akinwunmi(winner for the popular vote) got $3,000.
Speaking on Monday in Abuja at the award ceremony of the IOM Nigeria 2023 Short Film Contest on ‘Combating Human Trafficking’, Laurent de Boeck, Chief of Mission to Nigeria, International Organization for Migration(IOM), said films have the potential to educate, inform, and galvanise action.
Boeck explained that the short films submitted to the contest by the contesters “are not just pieces of entertainment; they are windows into the experiences of survivors, the struggles of those who fight against trafficking, and the resilience of communities coming together to create a safer world for all.
“Each film is a testament to the filmmakers’ dedication, empathy, and unwavering commitment to making a difference.”
He said: “As we honour the winners of this contest, we also recognise that their work extends far beyond the boundaries of the screen.
“By participating in this contest, our filmmakers have become advocates, joining the ranks of those who stand against exploitation, inequality, and the violation of human dignity.”
He pointed out that human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights that affects millions of lives around the world, adding that human traffickers target vulnerable groups, including migrants, refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced persons, and survivors of gender-based violence.
According to him, “we celebrate the filmmakers who have used their creativity and vision to shed light on this issue, provoke thought, and ignite conversations that can drive real change, we must remind ourselves of the need to amplify our efforts in raising awareness about the ever-evolving tactics employed by human traffickers.”
He revealed that IOM has been at the forefront of combating human trafficking, working tirelessly alongside the Federal Government of Nigeria and development partners, adding that since 2017, over 31,000 returnees have been assisted in their journey back home, including 4,287 victims of trafficking.
The affirmed that the adoption of the short film contest was initiated “to bring in the youth, who most of the time are the most vulnerable population when it comes to trafficking in person.
“We believe that through this engagement, the youth could explore their creativity to fight and dismantle the networks that profit from the exploitation of innocent lives and create a world where no one is left behind.”
Also speaking, Anne Abok, Representative of Media Coalition and Awareness to Halt Human Trafficking, lamented that many young Nigerians are trafficked daily to other countries under the disguise of improving their conditions of living.
Abok said human trafficking constitutes one of the violations of the human rights of the victims, adding that all hands must be on deck to mitigate the menace.