… as ‘Campaign Against Trafficking and Emigration Risk’ debuts
At a time when desperation fuels human trafficking and illegal migration, a group of master’s students of Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) has taken the fight beyond rhetoric by launching a campaign focused on prevention, policy, and protection of vulnerable lives.
The Campaign Against Trafficking and Emigration Risk (CATER) project launched its debut awareness campaign against human trafficking and illegal emigration in Nigeria in Q4 2025.
The social impact initiative was founded by seven Pan-Atlantic University students of the master’s in Media and Communication programme (FT18): Angel Azubuike, Ajuwon Gabriel, Grace Okogwu, Ibrahim Fatai, Marvin Vincent-Ohizu, Ojo Adesuwa, and Oluwasemilore Omotayo.
Marvin Vincent-Ohizu, a member of the team explained that the project was born out of a pressing need to enlighten Nigerian teenagers on the realities and dangers of human trafficking and irregular migration.
He emphasised that initiative seeks to equip young people with knowledge that can help them make informed decisions about their futures.
Sharing his experience during the exercise, he said, “This project was one of the best things that happened to me this year because I was able to teach, impact, and leave a positive mark on young people about an important topic that is not discussed regularly in schools. I’m grateful to The CATER Project for this opportunity.”
According to the spokesperson for the team, the first phase of the campaign involved an urgent public safety campaign to address the grave dangers of illegal emigration and human trafficking, specifically targeting 150 senior school three (SS3) students of Ibeju Senior High School, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, which took place on Friday, November 28.
“The session featured real-life stories of human trafficking, an explanation of what trafficking and illegal emigration mean, common signs of traffickers, and discussions on the importance of exploring and maximising opportunities within Nigeria rather than emigrating through illegal routes.
“The engagement concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, distribution of refreshment packs, and a photo session with the students.”
Reflecting on the outreach, Adesuwa Ojo said, “It was inspiring to engage directly with the students of Ibeju Senior High School and hear their questions, fears, and aspirations.
“The experience reaffirmed that this campaign is truly about listening and equipping young people with knowledge that can save them from trafficking and irregular migration risks.”
Similarly, Oluwasemilore Omotayo echoed the sentiment, when she said, “The outreach made me realise how crucial this project is in bringing awareness to young students.”
Other team members emphasised that the testimonies of their colleagues are reflections highlighting the responsibility The CATER project has undertaken and the impact it hopes to create.
Besides, some of the students shared their takeaways from the session. Gideon, an Arts student, said, “This programme exposed me to so many things and changed my mindset.”
In the same vein, Blessing, a Commercial student, described the session as interesting because it “gave me a better understanding of human trafficking.”
Although The CATER Project was initially founded to fulfil an academic requirement, its message has deeply resonated with the seven founders.
As Grace explains, “This social impact campaign is a core component of our master’s degree programme in Media and Communications at Pan-Atlantic University.
“While it began as an academic exercise, it has evolved into a deeply meaningful endeavour for our team far beyond simply ticking a box.”
The Campaign Against Trafficking and Emigration Risk (CATER) project is a social impact entity with the vision to enlighten young Nigerians on the reality and dangers of human trafficking and illegal emigration, one campaign at a time.
