CIDJAP Participates in Nigeria Conference of Women Religious Against Human Trafficking Stakeholders Engagement and End-Year Evaluation Joint Physical Meeting of SC and PTs.

Introduction:
On the 9^th of November, 2023, representatives from Catholic Institute for Development Justice and Peace (CIDJAP) actively participated in the joint physical meeting of the Steering Committee (SC) and Project Teams (PTs) organized by the Nigeria Conference of Women Religious Against Human Trafficking (NCWRaHT). The meeting, centered on stakeholders’ engagement and an end-year evaluation, provided a platform for collaboration, reflection, and strategic planning to combat human trafficking.

Key Objectives of the Meeting:

Stakeholder Engagement: To foster collaboration among key stakeholders involved in the fight against human trafficking, including religious organizations, NGOs, and government agencies.

End-Year Evaluation: To assess the impact and effectiveness of the initiatives undertaken by NCWRaHT throughout the year, with a focus on achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.

Delegation from CIDJAP:

CIDJAP Founding Director and President General Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike represented by CIDJAP Projects Manager David Ikenna Presented detailed reports on specific projects and programs implemented by CIDJAP to alleviate the sufferings of the vulnerable in our society. David further highlighted that the Founding Director and President General of CIDJAP Msgr. Professor Obiora Ike is committed in doing more in the areas of Free Education, Youth empowerment, skill acquisition, Good health care, Peace and Justice for the poor and downtrodden in the society. David also provided an overview of CIDJAP’s contributions and initiatives in the fight against human trafficking led by the legal department unit.

Activities and Discussions:

1. Welcome and Opening Remarks: The meeting commenced with a warm welcome and opening remarks by leaders of NCWRaHT. The significance of the stakeholders’ engagement and the end-year evaluation in shaping future strategies was emphasized.
2. Stakeholder Presentations: Representatives from various organizations, including CIDJAP, presented updates on their activities, achievements, and future prospects in the fight against human trafficking. This sharing of experiences facilitated cross-collaboration and a better understanding of the collective impact.
3. End-Year Project Evaluations: Each project team within NCWRaHT presented an end-year evaluation of their initiatives. CIDJAP provided a comprehensive overview of its projects, highlighting successes in Education Sponsorship Desk, Vocational Technical Training Centre, Health care with Ave Maria Eye Clinic, Ukamaka Cottage Hospital and Primary Health Care Centre Akpakumenze, Aru Ike Ndi Oria Primary Health Care Centre, Prisons Department and Human Right Unit amongst others.
4. Open Forum Discussions: A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to open forum discussions. Stakeholders engaged in dialogue, sharing insights, and exploring potential areas for collaboration in the coming year. This collaborative approach aimed to enhance the effectiveness of anti-trafficking efforts.
5. Strategic Planning for the Next Year: The meeting facilitated strategic planning sessions for the upcoming year. CIDJAP actively participated in discussions on how to refine and expand its efforts, aligning with the broader goals of NCWRaHT.
6. Recommendations and Resolutions: Stakeholders collectively developed recommendations and resolutions based on the discussions that would guide future initiatives, policy advocacy, and collaborative projects in the fight against human trafficking.
7. Closing Session: The meeting concluded with a closing session, where key takeaways were summarized, and leaders expressed gratitude for the active participation and commitment of all stakeholders, especially CIDJAP.

Next Steps and Commitments:

Implementation of Action Plans: CIDJAP committed to implementing action plans based on the discussions, incorporating feedback from the meeting into its anti-trafficking initiatives.

Conclusion:
CIDJAP’s active participation in the Nigeria Conference of Women Religious against Trafficking Stakeholders Engagement and End-Year Evaluation Joint Physical Meeting of SC and PTs reflects the organization’s commitment to collaborative efforts in combating human trafficking. The meeting served as a platform for shared learning, strategic planning, and the strengthening of partnerships, ensuring that the fight against human trafficking remains a united and concerted effort.