The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and Nigeria’s National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) have deepened their partnership in the fight against human trafficking by harnessing the power of storytelling through short films.
At the 2025 Short Film Awards held in Abuja on Thursday — now in its third edition — three young Nigerian filmmakers were recognised for their compelling portrayals of the human trafficking crisis and the resilience of its victims.
Matthew Babalola Oluwatobi clinched the top prize of $2,500 for his short film Hostage. David Jayeola Adedeji won the second prize of $1,500 for Promise Beyond Borders, while Ndulue Emmanuel secured third place with I Clicked the Link, earning $1,000.
Speaking at the event, IOM Nigeria’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Paola Pace, highlighted the growing impact of youth-driven storytelling in raising awareness.
“We’ve seen a significant rise in participation — from 40 to now 80 submissions,” she said.
“It shows that more young Nigerians are joining the movement against human trafficking by telling real-life stories that reflect community experiences.”
Pace emphasized that this year’s initiative aimed to “amplify the voices of young cinematographers” as key contributors to public sensitization efforts in Nigeria and beyond.
Through these creative platforms, IOM and NAPTIP hope to engage broader audiences, spark conversations, and mobilize more support in tackling one of the country’s most persistent human rights challenges.
