02/08/2026
ADDRESS BY THE MOST REV. MUSA PANTI FILIBUS, PH.D., OFR ARCHBISHOP OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH OF CHRIST IN NIGERIA, ON THE OCCASION OF THE LCCN NATIONAL AWARENESS SUNDAY ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND IRREGULAR MIGRATION, 2 AUGUST 2026
Theme: "END THE SCAM
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ Today, our Church joins Christians and people of goodwill around the world in speaking with one voice against human trafficking and irregular migration. This year's theme. "End the Scam" reminds us that many people are attracted into danger by deceptive promises of a better life. As the Church, we are called to stand with the vulnerable. guide our people in the truth, and help them make wise and safe decisions.
Our Lord Jesus Christ warned us. "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves" (Matthew 7:15). In a similar way. human traffickers rarely present themselves as criminals. They often appear as friends. recruiters, employers, agents, or even relatives. Some may even be people we know and trust. They promise good jobs, education, travel opportunities, and a better future. Yet behind these promises lie deception, exploitation, slavery, suffering, and sometimes even death.
As Christians, we affirm that every human being is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Therefore, we reject every form of trafficking, exploitation, and abuse that reduces a person created by God into a commodity to be bought or sold. As Scripture commands, we are to "speak up for those who can not speak for themselves" and defend the rights of the vulnerable (Proverbs 31:8-9). Let us uphold the God-given dignity of every person and stand with those who are most vulnerable.
Many young Nigerians dream of a better future. This is a good and natural desire. However, we must never allow hope to be manipulated by deception or desperation to lead us into dangerous and irregular journeys. Too many of our young people have become victims of trafficking, forced labor, sexual exploitation, abuse, and violence. Others have lost their lives while crossing deserts and seas in search of opportunities. Even within our own country, many young people leave their homes seeking a better life only to find themselves living on the streets, trapped in drug abuse, crime, and other forms of exploitation.
Since 2017, through the Symbols of Hope Project, the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria, with the support of the Lutheran World Federation, has been raising awareness about the dangers of human trafficking and irregular migration. We have educated communities, supported returned migrants and survivors, provided counseling and psychosocial care, promoted livelihood opportunities, and trained student, religious,
and community leaders to become advocates for sale migration. By God's grace, this ministry has touched thousands of lives
However, this responsibility belongs to the whole Church. Let every congregation become a place of truth, safety, and hope, where families are strengthened and the vulnerable are protected
therefore call upon all pastors, church leaders, and every member of our congregations to continue educating our people about the dangers of human trafficking and irregular migration Let us use our pulpits, Bible women's and men's fellowships, choirs, Sunday schools, Boys and Girls' Brigade. ble studies, youth fellowships, music ministries, and every other gathering of the Church to speak openly, honestly. and courageously about these dangers. In this way, our churches will become places where people find wisdom, protection, and hope
To our parents, I say: do not entrust your children to strangers because of promises of
employment or education without careful verification.
To our young people. I say: do not believe every promise of success abroad. Seek trustworthy information, follow lawful procedures, pray for God's guidance, and seek wise counsel before making life-changing decisions.
To every member of the LCCN, I say be vigilant. Report suspicious activities Encourage those who are uncertain about migration to seek reliable advice. Stand beside those who are vulnerable and let our churches be places where people find safety, dignity, and hope in Christ
Dear brothers and sisters, ending human trafficking is not only the responsibility of governments or organizations. It is also part of the Church's calling. By protecting the vulnerable, speaking the truth in love, and defending the dignity of every person, we bear faithful witness to Jesus Christ, who came that all may have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10).
Let us, therefore, stand together and end the scam, trusting God to guide us in truth, protect the vulnerable, and strengthen our witness as His people
As the Apostle Paul exhorts us:
"Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them"
(Ephesians 5:11).
May God bless His Church and make us faithful in this calling. Amen.
