Dedicated human rights activist, marginalized community advocate and social service professional with over 9 years of experience in both public and private sectors. Expertise with a more focus on combating human trafficking, sexual and gender-based violence, and spearheading intervention projects for underserved communities through active engagement with the Nigerian government's key anti-trafficking agency. Additionally, she established and lead a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to implementing life-changing projects for marginalized communities and supporting victims of human trafficking with medical, therapeutic and psychosocial services. She has worked in international organizations' projects that strengthens the capacity of government, and law enforcement agencies and civil society organizations to respond to gender-based violence. Skilled in Research and documentation and led a large scale Research initiative across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. As an alumnus of the Chevening Scholarship from the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), she hold a Master's degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Additionally,she is a distinguished recipient of the US-Government Funded Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders.
IGOH LAWRENTA JACINTA
Summary
Overview
Work History
National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP)Abuja
Job overview
- Assisted the Director General with daily administrative task towards coordination efforts for thirty-four (34) offices and fourteen (14) shelters across Nigeria, in the fight against human trafficking, irregular migration and violence against persons.
- Provided support for project planning and management by coordinating meetings, taking notes and tracking progress.
- Analyzed country TIP reports and conducted in-depth research to formulate strategic policy recommendations that encapsulated the achievements and challenges of the Agency. Crafted actionable plans and intervention strategies that were both timely and pragmatic.
- developed a comprehensive stakeholder mapping document to identify key players in the figh against TIP, enhancing the Agency's ability to cultivate meaningful partnerships. monitor a feedback mechanism for continuous improvement.
- co-supervise the Director-General's work plan, specialized programs, and projects, ensuring alignment with the Agency's "5Ps" strategy (Prevention, Protection, Partnership, Policy, and Prosecution).
- Collaborated in the co-drafting of the Agency's Monthly Newsletter (NAPTIP E-Digest) and authored impactful reports that resonated with a wide audience.
- Pioneered the implementation of the Agency's Survivors Co-Mentoring Series Programme, offering guidance, coaching, and facilitating training for survivors of human trafficking and violence in diverse shelters.
- Demonstrated an aptitude for innovation by consistently providing practical recommendations and identifying emerging opportunities, techniques, and approaches, driving the successful application of new concepts.
Auxano Foundation for Empowerment and DevelopmentAbuja
Job overview
- Devised organizational vision, mission and foundational structure to facilitate early growth.
- Inspired over 100 active expert Volunteers, designed, and delivered programmes such as education/awareness, advocacy, life skills/livelihood trainings and consultation services for different communities, schools and organizations.
- Supervised 13 medical volunteers to provide free consultation, treatments and other therapeutic services to victims of trafficking and their care givers.
- Mobilized volunteer action in building community resilience and helping victims and potential victims of trafficking especially women and girls to recover and heal leveraging on various intervention programmes.
- Launched the pandemic Communicare Project at the spike of COVID-19, completed the drilling of eight (8) boreholes to provide access to clean water to over 10000 people in eight (8) communities (Takalafia, Robochi, Jeida 1 and Jeida 2, Tungan Madaki, Wassa, Zokutu, Kodayi),
- Identified ten (10) highly impoverished communities within the FCT, conducted need assessment exercise and provided tailored training to over 2000 people covering issues on human trafficking prevention and care, livelihood training and life skills
- developed proposals and implemented intervention programmes for women and girls who suffer the impact of violent extremism in and implemented projects in Internally Displaced Persons Camps (IDPs)
- Launched the vineyard of hope shelter project by securing a 1.6 Hectares of land- a long-term development project to provide safe spaces for survivors.
- Launched an empowerment centre in Jiwoyi community to reduce the economic vulnerabilities of individuals and families and improve livelihoods.
Justice Research Institute (JRI)/Ford Foundation West Africa Abuja
Job overview
- Participated in strategy development meetings, coordinating key alliances, and implementing project objectives aimed at strengthening the capacity of the Nigerian Police Force to effectively respond to sexual and gender-based violence
- Assisted in developing project proposal, budget line and implementation plan to achieve overall project objective
- Collaboratively co-facilitated four comprehensive training sessions and step-down programs for 140 police gender desk officers, representing all 36 states of Nigeria.
- Played an integral role in shaping the content for an SGBV (Sexual and Gender-Based Violence) E-portal learning platform tailored to the specific needs of the Nigerian Police Force.
- Co-facilitated empowerment training for 75 survivors of SGBV in Abuja, offering essential support and guidance.
- Conducted assessments of target population and collected relevant data to facilitate monitoring and evaluation activities.
National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP)Abuja
Job overview
- Collected information from various departments and units and analyzed it for meaningful Reforms in the Agency.
- Completed the first draft of NAPTIP Gender Policy, Service Charter and Anti-Corruption Code of Conduct Handbook as Team Lead of the document drafting committee of the Reforms Unit.
- Trained and Certified 52 Senior Officers of NAPTIP on “Servant Leadership, the Deciding Factor with sustainability plan” using YALI Learn Resources upon and another (120) delegates from twenty-seven (27) Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government on innovative public leadership return from the Mandela Washington Fellowship, US in September 2018. Also organized step-down training for 186 law enforcement officers (in person and virtually) in September 2021 after returning from Chevening award in UK.
- Conducted Assessments of emerging trends on human trafficking, gathering, SWOT Analysis of TIP annual report, Nigeria narrative and sharing security/intelligence information when necessary and suggesting plans and requirements for future operations based on intelligence analysis and best practices
- Monitored service compact compliance by staff and ensure the protection of rights of victims and suspects in custody.
United Way Worldwide Sub-Saharan Africa
Job overview
- ·Conducted baseline study on human trafficking in four pathfinder countries (Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa) to underscore the magnitude of the problem, root causes, emerging trends, impact of COVID-19 on trafficking and map stakeholders and intervention points.
- Spearheaded the development of the research framework, including the formulation of Terms of Reference (TOR), workplan, and budget. Created survey instruments, questionnaires, and other data collection tools. Organized four stakeholder meetings in Nigeria and Ghana (in person) and Kenya and South Africa (virtually), successfully engaging 276 anti-human trafficking frontline workers from 78 organizations across West, East, and South Africa.
- Conducted field visits to at-risk communities, shelters, and displaced persons camps, including regions like Lake Volta and coastal areas of Ghana. Actively engaged with community residents and survivors of human trafficking to collect data for evidence-based research.
- Strategically mapped out stakeholders and key intervention points, facilitating the identification of funding requirements, levels of engagement, and priority areas. This mapping continues to serve as a guiding roadmap for intervention projects in Africa.
- Delivered a comprehensive report, prepared presentation and manuscripts summarizing research findings and documented visuals from the study, which currently serve as invaluable resources informing strategic decisions, policy formulation, and intervention programs in parts of Africa for United Way.
Fairhaven Healthcare LtdEastleigh, Hampshire,
Job overview
- provided a wide range of care to diverse residents with due respect to their needs and values in matters of religion, culture, race, ethnic origin, sexuality or sexual orientation, disabilities or impairments and related status.
- delivered quality service that improve resident overall quality of life and prepare the aged with a dignified end-of-life experience in nine (9) Care Homes across Hamshire County Council: (Netley Court Care Home, Old Aresford, Waverly Lodge Nursingn Home, Dunwood Manor Nursing Home, Oaklands Resthome, Cedar Lawn Nursing Home, Warren Residential Lodge, Sunny Bank and New Forst Nursing Home)
- Observed patients' physical, mental, and emotional conditions and reported any changes to supervisor or nurse on duty.
- Assisted with mobility exercises for immobile patients under direction of physical therapist or nurse.
- Participated in educational opportunities related to health care assistant duties.
- Promoted patient comfort by quickly responding to calls and handling diverse needs.
- Looked for physical, emotional and symptomatic changes in patient condition and obtained necessary care for medical concerns.
- Documented information in patient charts and communicated status updates to interdisciplinary care team.
- Supported daily living activities by serving meals, feeding, ambulating and turning over and positioning patients.
National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP)Abuja
Job overview
- Maintained Para-Military intelligence Communications Security (COMSEC) systems with complete accuracy to support national safety.
- Analyzed raw intelligence data and identified patterns of activity of human trafficking for further investigation.
- serviced as Agency Liaison officer to US Embassy Visa Section and received suspected cases of human trafficking for further investigation
- Conducted risk and threat assessments and analysis on human trafficking trends, patterns and potential hot spots in the country.
- Profiled deportees/returnees (Irregular Migrants) from Libya, Mali, Niger Republic and EU Countries
- Analysed country narratives on external reports and recommend next steps to management as appropriate.
- Investigated criminal assets to identify money flows to and from targeted groups.
National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP)Abuja
Job overview
- Organized and maintained Director General calendar and schedule, including travel arrangements.
- Provided administrative support on a one-to-one basis to the Director General (DG) and other senior managerial or directorial staff in the coordination of anti-human trafficking efforts in Nigeria.
- Completed the Mid-Term assessment of the NAPTIP 5-Year Strategic Plan, 2012-2015 as an active member of the review committee.
- Worked as a statutory member of the Programme Coordination Committee (PCC) of NAPTIP and monitored the progress on implementation.
- Organized and maintained the itinerary, diaries, and appointments of the DG
- Attended meetings as the DG's principal representative, take dictations, minutes and ensure that the DG is well prepared for meetings.
- Took a coordination role in anti-human trafficking activities at various levels of engagement with Staff and Stakeholders.
National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP)Abuja
Job overview
- Completed comprehensive face-to-face interviews and interrogations with victims, witness and suspects of human trafficking to generate reports to document investigative findings.
- Ran background checks of individuals to obtain data on character, financial status and personal history.
- Completed debriefings for arrested subjects to obtain information pertinent to investigations.
- Carried out surveillance, undercover and joint investigations operations in potential trouble zones as detailed by the Head of Operations, to identify, arrest and recommend human traffickers for prosecution.
- Secured 4 Convictions on cases of human trafficking I conducted as an Investigation Officer within the period under review.
- Trained and Certified 45 NAPTIP officers of the Command on a 1-Month ICT Training with a volunteered team from Auxano Foundation.
- Carried out surveillance, undercover and joint investigations operations in potential trouble zones as detailed by the Head of Operations, to identify, arrest and recommend human traffickers for prosecution.
National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP)Abuja
Job overview
- Worked successfully with diverse group of victims of human trafficking and domestic violence, designed individualized care plan and support them in their best interest through the process of rehabilitation
- Provided direct psycho-social counseling support to over 105 victims of human trafficking and child labour majority of whom are women and girls within the period under review.
- Dedicated extra time for victims with special needs and provided extra weekend tutorials and psychological training for them
- Participated in identifying and re-uniting some of the victims to their families and communities of origin.
Education
Egyptian Police Academy, Cairo, Egypt
University Overview
- Completed coursework in Migration-Related Crimes, Protection of Victims and Travel Document Examination
Southampton Solent University Southampton, United Kingdom
University Overview
- Completed course under the Chevening Scholarship Award of the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
- Completed coursework covering contemporary and comparative criminal justice, Drugs, Crime, Justice, Comparative Policing etc
- Thesis: Root Causes of Human Trafficking in Sub-Saharan Africa, West Africa in Review, Nigeria in Perspective
Monmouth University Department of Criminal JusticeNew Jersey
University Overview
- Completed an exchange programme between Monmouth University US and Solent University southampton UK, covering courses in International Relations, Criminal Justice, Intelligence Threat Assessment, International Global Policing, .
- Study Visit to Law Enforcement institutions in New Jersey and New York including: New Jersey State Police Regional Operations Intelligence Center (ROIC), Monmouth County Sheriff Office, Shaun Golden-Technology Advancements in Law Enforcements, Red Banks, New Jersey, 09/11 Memorial New York.
Bridgewater State University Massachusetts Massachusetts, Boston
University Overview
University of Jos, Nigeria
University Overview
- Thesis: Floriculture and national economy: A Case Study of the Jos-Plateau North Central Nigeria, Published (https://www.ajol.info/index.php/njbot/article/view/225024 )
- Awarded Best Graduating Student and Best Female Graduand of the Department of Plant Science and Technology, University of Jos
Nigeria Defense Academy (NDA)Kaduna, Nigeria
University Overview
- Completed coursework in Threat Analysis, Politics of International Humanitarian Interventioon, Science Technology and National Defence, Resaerch Methodology
Skills
- Policy Development
- Leadership and Management
- Strategic Planning and Project Management
- Stakeholders Engagement
- Non Profit Leaderships
- IT Skills (Microsoft Office, internet research)
AWARDS AND HONOUR
-2019/2020 Chevening Scholarship Award: a fully funded MSc. scholarship presented by the Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the government of the United Kingdom, Sept, 2019.
· 2018 Ambassador for Peace Award, presented by the Universal Federation for World Peace, September 2018.
· 2018 Mandela Washington Fellow, under the Young African Leaders (YALI), presented by the Secretary of State, United States of America, June 2018.
· 2016 Africa4Her Champion Awarded by Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State, Feb. 2016
· 2015 Nigeria Immigration Training School (ITSK) Cadet Award of Excellence, presented by the Commandant, ITSK,
· 2012 University of Jos Best Graduating student and Best Female Graduate Award, presented by the office of the Vice Chancellor.
· 2010 Sheda Science & Technology Centre (SHESTCO) Best Intern Award
· 2008 Jos Carnegie Partnership Committee (JCPC) Scholarship Award for outstanding Female Undergraduates, University of Jos Chapter.
· 2006 Best Graduating Student, Government Girls Secondary School Dutse, Abuja.
TRAININGS AND CONFERENCES
· Regional Training for Senior Police Officers from North Africa, Horn of Africa and Sub-Saharan Regions on “Migration-Related Crimes, Protection of Victims, Travel Document Examination, Egyptian police Academy, Cairo, Egypt., 27th June to 6th July 2022
· Project Development, Monitoring and Evaluation, June 14th to 17th, 2022-IOM
· Facilitated a 10-Day Training for 40 police officers, another 2 sets of 2-day step-down training for 100 police of the Nigeria Police Force on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence 11th May to 21st May 2022, 18th to 19th Aug. 2022, 1st to 2nd Nov. 2022, 10th to 11th Nov. 2022 and Ford Foundation, UN Women and JRI
· Preventing Forced Migration and Trafficking of Women and Girls in Nigeria through Gender mainstreaming, and the implementation of NAPTIP Gender Policy. Organized by UN Women, 2nd to 14th August 2021, Zuma Rock Resort, Niger State.
· A-TIPSOM Nigeria (Action Against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrant), administered by FIIAPP and Funded by the European Union, 29th to 30th June, 2021
· Amplus Data Collection and Analysis Training, UK, January 29, 2020
· Gangs, Weapons, Drugs, Terrorism and Transnational Crimes, Monmouth University Department of Criminal Justice and Global Education Office, New Jersey, USA November 12 to 13, 2019
· Sustainable Criminal Justice Solution (SCJS) Best Practices, UK, November 6th, 2019
· Intelligence and Threat Assessment Briefing, New Jersey Department of Corrections Training Academy and Regional Operations Intelligence Centre (ROIC) Nov14 2019
· ECOWAS GIABA/SANWA Basic Training Course, Anti Money Laundering and Countering of Terrorist Financing for Law Enforcement, Agencies and Judicial Officers in Nigeria. , May 20th to 24th, 2019, EFCC Academy, Karu Abuja.
· Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Professional Course, Kaduna, Nigeria November 11, 2017, Certificate in Senior Executive Programme on Leadership in Complex Security Environment.
· British High Commission (BHC), Sustainable Criminal Justice Solution (SCJS) (December to January 2016), Certificate on Core Investigative Skills.
· International Social Service (ISS)/West Africa Network (WAN) for the Protection of Children (2014), Certificate on Child Protection Workshop for Social Workers and Investigators
· U.S Young Africa Leaders Initiative Online Trainings (2014-2018) ertificates on Servant Leadership; civic leadership; public management; understanding rights of women and girls; community mobilizing for action; organizing grassroots advocacy campaign; Engaging with Public Officials for Positive Change; Understanding Election and Civic Responsibility.
· USAID GlobalHealth eLearning Centre, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health (2015-2016). Certificates on knowledge management; gender monitoring & evaluation; introduction to early childhood development; gender and health system strengthening; health communication for managers; gender and health system strengthening
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
· Lead Researcher, Landscape Analysis on Human Trafficking in Sub-Saharan Africa, Nov 2019 to April 2021.
Led a Landscape Analysis on human trafficking in Sub-Saharan Africa as Lead Researcher for United Way Worldwide, conducted stakeholders’ consultative forums and interviewed a broad-based audience in four pathfinder countries (Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa) to underscore the magnitude of the problem, root causes, the impact of covid-19 on human trafficking, emerging trends and mapped key stakeholders and tailored intervention points.
· MSc. Researcher: Root causes of Human Trafficking in Sub-Saharan Africa, West Africa in Review, Nigeria in Perspective, 2019 TO 2020
· Ongoing MSc. Research: ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol, A Regional Integration Policy or Obstacle to National Security. 2018 to date
· Independent Researcher, NAPTIP Reforms Unit, Abuja, April 2016 to September 2019.
Yearly review of Nigeria’s Narrative of the US Department of States Trafficking in Persons Report, conducted system studies, policy gaps analysis and developed reports to inform management decisions.
Timeline
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