by Isi Esene

The European Union Delegation, UNODC, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and the Nigeria Immigration Service launched a nationwide “I am priceless” campaign on Tuesday. Adopting the UN tradition of the appointment of Goodwill Ambassadors, UNODC announced the appointment of two National Goodwill Ambassadors, Jude Abaga, A.K.A M.I, multiple award winning Hip-hop artiste popularly known as Africa’s number one rapper and Ms. Joke Silva, renowned actress as the Goodwill Ambassador for Human Trafficking.

The announcement of their appointment as Goodwill Ambassadors was made by the representative of the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Angele Dikongue-Atangana the Representative of UNHCR in Nigeria.

“It is a great responsibility to be part of this project, and I am committed to contributing meaningfully towards ensuring that smuggling of migrants is ended in Nigeria” Abaga explained to the press.

The keynote address at the launch was delivered by the Attorney General of the Federation and the Honourable Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke SAN, CFR. Also in attendance, were the Hon. Minister of Women Affairs and social development, Hajiya Zainab Maina and the Ambassadors of France, Finland and Norway.

The “I am priceless” campaign consists of several engaging and interactive activities including the grassroots campaign in 6 states, the production of advocacy materials and radio and television jingles, advocacy visits to state governors, traditional rulers and secondary schools. As part of the campaign, the project will also host stakeholders meetings, school dialogues, and a nationwide poem competition among others.

As goodwill ambassadors, Abaga and Ms Silva join a shortlist of prominent celebrities globally including Kanu Nwankwo and Femi Kuti who have been appointed as UN goodwill ambassadors in different capacities. Abaga who is known for his contribution to humanitarian issues has previously lent a voice against domestic violence and recently gave a haunting tribute to the tragic murders of 4 UNIPORT undergraduates.