QNET, a lifestyle and wellness-focused direct-selling company, has launched the “Say NO” public awareness campaign. This dedicated effort seeks to educate and empower communities, fostering resilience and awareness to combat the deceptive tactics of traffickers.
The “Say NO” Awareness Campaign is rooted in a shared commitment from key organizations—QNET, Transblue Limited Nigeria, and local authorities. Acknowledging the increasing misuse of reputable business organizations’ names and identities, leading to illicit activities, these entities have united to take a stand against the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
QNET’S approach
To prevent fraud, QNET employs robust measures, including customer identification technology and strict adherence to the company code of conduct. Violation leads to removal, and any fraudulent use of QNET’s name is reported. Additionally, QNET empowers Independent Representatives through extensive training, fostering responsible customer referrals for sustainable income generation. The campaign takes the approach of:
1. Raising Awareness
With “Illuminate,” our focus is on making sure everyone knows about the dangers of human trafficking, illegal migration, and tricky job offers. We want to spread the word, so you and your community can stay safe and informed.
2. Fostering Collaboration
In “Unite,” we believe that we’re stronger together. By working closely with others, we create a powerful team against exploitation. We stand united and break down the systems behind human trafficking and illegal migration.
3. Preventing Exploitation
With “Safeguard,” our mission is to keep you safe from exploitation. We provide simple, practical knowledge through education and community involvement to help you recognize and avoid deceptive job offers and illegal migration traps.
Across Africa and in Nigeria, reputable companies such as QNET, Coca-Cola and even the West African Development Bank (BOAD) have fallen victim to scammers who use their reputable names to deceitfully promise non-existent jobs to members of the public for purposes of exploitation. The lack of awareness about such scams and about Human Trafficking are, therefore, a key challenge in the fight against the vice.
The Nigerian Government, in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has made sustained efforts to combat human trafficking. A United States Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons Report shows that Nigeria has been placed on Tier 2, reflecting significant governmental endeavours. The report indicates an increase in the identification of trafficking victims, rising from 935 in the previous reporting period to 1,634 in 2023.
The “Say NO” campaign shall be implemented in several countries, starting with Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Senegal. It consists of a public education campaign that will use radio, billboards, pamphlets and other activities aimed at sensitizing communities, especially in regions where the prevalence of fake job scams is high.
In addition to these, the company trains its Independent Representatives on its products, ethical practices and entrepreneurial skills, thereby empowering them to generate income for themselves and their families by referring customers to QNET.
This article was originally posted on December 2023 and has been updated following new developments.