By Oluwatope Lawanson
A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Devatop Centre for Africa Development, has urged deeper collaboration with corporate organisations to protect victims of human trafficking for a safer and more equitable society.
The Group Board Chairman of the NGO, Dr Benson Olugbuo, made the call at the official launch of TALKAM Corporate Supporters Forum on Tuesday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the forum has the theme: “Harnessing Corporate Social Responsibility for Human Rights and Community Empowerment”.
Olugbuo said deeper collaboration would disrupt human trafficking, gender-based violence, online exploitation, and other forms of abuse, while supporting survivors and empowering vulnerable communities.
“This strategic gathering of corporate organisations and business leaders is committed to strengthening community resilience and advancing human rights through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
“TALKAM Initiative is a comprehensive civic-tech and victim support ecosystem, with a footprint across the 36 states in Nigeria and in 38 countries, reaching over 10.5 million citizens through awareness and empowerment campaigns.
“With the joint effort of corporate organisations, there is hope for a safer community.
“Together, we can empower communities, protect victims, and contribute to a safer and more equitable society,” he said.
Olugbuo said the centre was founded in 2015 as a leading civic tech and human rights organisation teaming up with civil society, the private sector, and government.
He disclosed that the centre had been involved in essential services such as counseling, legal aid, and job training for the victims of trafficking and abuse since 2020.
He added that the group had connected more than 1,200 victims of trafficking and abuse to essential services across the country and five neighboring African countries.
The board chairman said by protecting lives and empowering communities, they were safeguarding a brighter, more secure tomorrow for the next generation.
Olugbuo said at the heart of it was the flagship TALKAM Human Rights Programme, powered by TALKAM App web platform, a smart digital case management system, and bold awareness drive.
“We’re using tech and community action to break the chains of trafficking, amplify survivor voices, and build a world where no one suffers in silence.”
Olugbuo urged corporate organisations and business leaders to join hands to make a difference through their CSR thereby bringing a lasting change.
“This forum is about the private sectors stepping up as true allies in victim protection and community uplift.
“Safer communities and neighborhoods mean safer employees, loyal customers, and thriving markets for everyone.”
Sharing survivors’ stories, Olugbuo said a 16-year-old girl, Aisha, was lured to Lagos State from her rural village with promises of a better life.
“Aisha was trafficked into domestic servituude in Lagos, enduring isolation and abuse for months.
“A neighbour spotted the signs during one of our community awareness drives and used the TALKAM App to report it anonymously, and within hours, our digital case management system mobilised local authorities and NGOs.
“Today, Aisha is thriving in a Devatop-supported vocational programme, learning tailoring skills and dreaming of starting her own business,” he said.
Olugbuo said another survivor, Emeka, aged 22 years from Enugu State, was forced into online labour exploitation after dropping out of school.
He stated that Emeka was trapped in a scam ring.
“Emeka stumbled upon a TALKAM awareness campaign on social media and messaged our hotline for help.
“Our team connected him to counseling and legal support, leading to the dismantling of the ring and justice for 12 other victims.
“Enrolled in Devatop’s digital skills training, Emeka now codes for a local startup,” he said
The chairman added that it had educated 50,000 community members on spotting and stopping trafficking, reducing unreported incidents by 25 per cent in pilot regions through awareness campaigns and partnerships.
Mrs Cynthia Oghe, the Secretary, Devatop Board of Trustees, emphasised the importance of harnessing CSR for human rights and community empowerment.
“This forum is bringing together companies and businesses that want to transform their CSR into purpose-driven partnerships that save lives, develop and empower communities.
“It is time for business owners to move from transactional to transformative CSR.
“We are at a pivotal moment where there is a demand not just for good optics but for accountability and meaningful impact,” she said.
Oghe highlighted TALKAM Initiative, a civic technology and anti-trafficking innovation developed by Devatop.
She said the initiative leverages digital tools and community engagement to promote, protect, and tackle human trafficking and gender-based violence across Africa.
Oghe urged corporate organisations to adopt TALKAM Initiative to support victim care, empowerment and advocacy, while achieving or expanding their CSR goals.
“Your contributions will empower survivors and transform communities geometrically,” she said.
The initiative has earned recognition and partnerships with organisations such as the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations, BMW Group, Freedom Fund, the United States Government, USAID/Palladium Group, and the United States of America Embassy in Nigeria.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
