Calistus Ekenna is a dedicated advocate for social justice and the founder of the Blue North Initiative, a charity aimed at combating human trafficking and supporting survivors in Canada and Nigeria. As a registered social worker with the Manitoba College of Social Workers, Calistus holds a Master of Social Work degree and currently serves as a Trustee on the Brandon School Division Board after being elected in the fall of 2020 and re-elected for a second term in 2022. His multifaceted experience positions him as a crucial player in the fight against human trafficking. His motivation to launch the Blue North Initiative stems from his profound observations regarding the devastating consequences of human trafficking. Witnessing firsthand the trauma and painful scars left on survivors, Calistus became acutely aware of how traffickers prey on the vulnerabilities of individuals, perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and despair that can haunt survivors for life. He has seen lives shattered, hopes extinguished, and the invisible wounds that may never fully heal.
Believing firmly that education is a vital tool for empowerment, Calistus envisioned the Blue North Initiative as a means to provide critical resources and opportunities for individuals affected by human trafficking. The foundation/initiative passionately aims to offer educational programs, create networking opportunities with partners, highlight the stories of survivors, and promote widespread awareness campaigns to shed light on this heinous crime against humanity. Through these efforts, the foundation/initiative seeks to uplift and empower those who have been victimized, allowing them to reclaim their lives and narratives. Calistus has been a proud resident of Manitoba for over a decade, successfully integrating himself and his family into Canadian society across various dimensions-educational, social, cultural, economic, and political. He and his wife lead community recreation initiatives, organizing camps and events that foster networking and support for families striving for holistic integration into their new environment.
In addition to his work with the Blue North Initiative, Calistus has held multiple roles within the social services sector. Currently serving as a Protection Supervisor, he has also taken on positions as an addiction coordinator, protection worker, and abuse worker for Child Welfare Services. His extensive background includes 15 years as an instructor with Manitoba Public Insurance and four years as an Intelligence Officer with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and Other Related Matters (NAPTIP) in Nigeria. There, he developed deep insights into migration risk management, further shaping his commitment to addressing human trafficking.
In 2022, Calistus published his first book, titled *Trail of Desperation: A Case Book of Human Trafficking*, which reflects his extensive knowledge and personal experiences with the subject. This book aims to educate a broader audience about the intricacies and realities of human trafficking while advocating for systemic change and increased awareness.
Through his tireless advocacy, community engagement, and educational initiatives, Calistus Ekenna exemplifies a commitment to justice and the empowerment of survivors, making a significant impact in the fight against human trafficking both in Canada and abroad.

Hassanah Mikailu the Board of Trustee Member for the Blue North Initiative, i am Hassanah Mikailu from Sokoto, I have a master's degree in English literature from usman Danfodiyo University, and currently doing My PhD in literature in English, I worked as a teacher with Sokoto state teachers service board from 2000 to 2008, I also worked with Nigeria Television Authority, Sokoto network center as a reporter and newscaster from 2008 to 2009, I am currently The Head of counseling and rehabilitation unit, NAPTIP SOKOTO ZONAL COMMAND.
As the Board Of Trustee Member in Blue North Initiative , I started working with NAPTIP from September 2009, I served as the shelter manager from 2009 to 2019 , and am currently the Head of counseling and rehabilitation unit,and also the Command's PRO. I have counselled, rehabilitated and reunited numerous victims of trafficking in persons,SGBV and child labor and abuse, I have also engaged in public enlightenment campaign and public awareness on the ills and dangers of trafficking in persons in schools, motor Parks,NYSC camps and trained security personnel, traditional and religious leaders on identification and protection of victims of trafficking in persons, SGBV and child labor and abuse

Master’s in Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice – Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria B.Sc. Sociology & Anthropology – University of Maiduguri Yusuf Ari Hassan is a dedicated professional committed to advancing justice and protecting vulnerable populations through strategic action and community empowerment. With expertise bridging criminal justice systems and sociological insights, he contributes significantly to Blue North Initiative’s mission of combating human trafficking and fostering social change. His approach combines evidence-based program development, policy advocacy, and multi-stakeholder collaboration to create meaningful, sustainable impact.
Yusuf supports policy formulation, program coordination, and capacity building, ensuring interventions remain community-centered and compliant with legal frameworks. His leadership Yusuf embodies the vision of the Blue North Initiative, aspiring to build a future where human trafficking is eradicated, and every person can lead a life of dignity and freedom. Her efforts are a beacon of hope for many, and she invites everyone to join the fight against human trafficking, creating a more just and equitable society for all. in Blue North Initiative she plays a pivotal reoles in shaping internal systems,policies and workflows that ensures operational excellence and team readiness for program delivery , donor engagement , and field implementation. she overseas recruiting, onboarding performance managment, and administrative logistics, anchoring the backbone of the organization anti-trafficking and community outreach program.

Okonkwo Chinenye is the Outreach Coordinator for the Blue North Initiative, a dedicated initiative focused on the prevention and awareness of human trafficking in Nigeria and beyond. Recently graduating from the University of Nigeria,NSUKKA, Chinenye's academic journey has equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle one of the most pressing social issues of our time.
Driven by a profound passion for social justice and a commitment to protecting the vulnerable, Chinenye has made it her mission to raise awareness about the scourge of human trafficking. She believes that education and community engagement are vital components in the fight against this heinous crime. Through her role at the Blue North Initiative, Chinenye coordinates outreach programs that aim to inform individuals and communities about the signs of trafficking, as well as the resources available for prevention and support.
With her energetic spirit and unwavering dedication, Chinenye works tirelessly to forge partnerships with local organizations, schools, and community groups. She aims to create a network of informed advocates who can help instigate meaningful change. Chinenye seeks not only to prevent human trafficking but also to help empower individuals to take action and support those affected by this issue through the Blue North Initiative.
Chinenye Okonkwo embodies the vision of the Blue North Initiative, aspiring to build a future where human trafficking is eradicated, and every person can lead a life of dignity and freedom. Her efforts are a beacon of hope for many, and she invites everyone to join the fight against human trafficking, creating a more just and equitable society for all.

Victor Ochefije John is the Website Manager & Social Media Manager for the Blue North Initiative, a dedicated initiative focused on the prevention and awareness of human trafficking in Nigeria and beyond. Recently graduating from the federal uninversity of Agriculture Makurdi, Victor's academic journey has equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle one of the most pressing social Technological issues of our time.
Driven by a profound passion for social justice and a commitment to protecting the vulnerable, Victor has made it his mission to raise awareness about the scourge of human trafficking. He believes that education and community engagement are vital components in the fight against this heinous crime. Through His role at the Blue North Initiative, Victors promote the program the activities of the the organization via website and social media handles that aim to inform individuals and communities about the signs of trafficking, as well as the resources available for prevention and support.
With her energetic spirit and unwavering dedication, Victor works tirelessly to create pages links and Seo monitization scheme to make sure the organization can be very influential in the internet space and nation wide . He aims to create a create and advertise the danger of human traffficking to the community and society at large to trigger change. Victor seeks not only to prevent human trafficking but also to help empower individuals to take action and support those affected by this issue through the Blue North Initiative.
Victor embodies the vision of the Blue North Initiative, aspiring to build a future where human trafficking is eradicated, and every person can lead a life of dignity and freedom. Her efforts are a beacon of hope for many, and she invites everyone to join the fight against human trafficking, creating a more just and equitable society for all communities and nationwide.

Atala Yohanna Joshua is seasoned professional serving as Program/Grant Administrator for the Blue North Initiative, a leading NGO dedicated to preventing human trafficking in Nigeria and beyond. He is a trained journalist. Mr. Atala holds a Master's Degree and Bachelor of Scicence Degree in Mass Communication from Nasarawa State University, Keffi. Addditionally, he has a Professional Diploma in Education from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and Diplomas in Computer Networking and Digital Photography from Scholars Global Tech.Chandigarh UT, India (Distance Learning).
As a dedicated and research-oriented Mass Commmunication scholar, Mr. Atala lectured with the Department of Mass Communication, Nasarawa State University, Keffi (Part-Time) and Nacabs Polytechnic, Akwanga, Nasarawa State. Components in the fight against this heinous crime. Through his role at the Blue North Initiative, Mr. Atala has carried out several awareness programs, shedding light on the reality of human trafficking that aim to inform individuals and communities about the signs of trafficking, as well as the resources available for prevention and support.
With his energetic spirit and unwavering dedication, Mr. Atala works tirelessly to forge partnerships with local organizations, schools, and community groups. Aims to create a network of informed advocates who can help instigate meaningful change. Mr. Atala seeks not only to prevent human trafficking but also to help empower individuals to take action and support those affected by this issue through the Blue North Initiative.
Mr. Atala embodies the vision of the Blue North Initiative, aspiring to build a future where human trafficking is eradicated, and every person can lead a life of dignity and freedom. His efforts are a beacon of hope for many, and he invites everyone to join the fight against human trafficking, creating a more just and equitable society for all.