Obaseki tasks leaders on reintegration of trafficking victims, returnees

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki. AFP PHOTO / PIUS UTOMI EKPEI

Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, has advocated for a sustained collaboration among world and religious leaders to combat the increasing migrant crisis and mitigate trafficking in persons.

He said that in commemoration of the World Day of Peace declared by Pope Francis being marked today, the input of religious leaders was critical to stemming human trafficking because of the influence and moral suasion required to convince people about the attendant risks.

He noted that it was pertinent for well-calculated lines of action to be taken, especially in the new year to combat illegal migration on a global scale.

He stressed that the theme for the celebration, Migrants And Refugees: Men And Women In Search Of Peace, captured the essence of migrants’ struggle, adding that although the search for peace was universal, it was not right for dubious persons to exploit their compatriots for financial gains.
   
Meanwhile, the Senior Special Adviser to the governor on Anti-Human Trafficking, Solomon Okoduwa, has assured that the state government would continue with the training of more Libyan returnees from this month.
   
He disclosed this in his new year message to Libyan victims where he also commiserated with families of those who lost their loved ones to the Sahara Desert-Libya-Mediterranean Sea route to Europe in the search for greener pastures. 

His words: “We want to thank God for seeing you all through the hazardous journey and for safely bringing you into another glorious year (2018) in your fatherland. It is a new year, a time to celebrate and to go back to the drawing board and strategise for the success of the year.

“Governor Obaseki knows your plight and has plans for those of you who are willing to key into the rehabilitation and empowerment programme already in place. 

“For those of you who we have trained in agriculture sector, you will all start your skills in agro business before January ending or first week of February, as government has already done what should be done.”

“There will be a massive campaign programme in the 192 wards of the state to raise awareness on the dangers of illegal migration and the benefits of being engaged back at home.”