The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured of the state’s commitment to laws and policies against all forms of slavery, to uphold the dignity of man.
Obaseki said this in commemoration of the United Nations International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
He said the state government will continue to demonstrate commitment in checking all forms of slavery which subject victims to abuse across the world, several decades after it was abolished.
The governor said, “We have continued to record sterling results with the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons Law and the Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking which has enabled us prosecute traffickers and protect our people from exploitation.”
He noted that the programmes of the Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking have helped the state reduced the incidence of human trafficking and illegal migration, adding that the taskforce will continue with its campaigns across the state in enlightening more residents on the dangers of illegal migration and in prosecuting traffickers.
He said, “For us, in addition to improving the healthcare delivery system, deepening education reforms, building infrastructure, and generating economic activities through agriculture, we are also empowering our people especially women and children with the right skill sets which provide them with the opportunities to acquire decent means of sustainable livelihood. The state’s skills development agency, EdoJobs is in the forefront of this commitment in empowering youths in the state.”
Obaseki hailed the Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’ Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, for his support in bringing an end to human trafficking in the state, noting, “With the support of Oba Ewuare, more of our people have been freed from the deceit of human traffickers in Europe and other parts of the world.”
The governor also expressed appreciation to multinational organisations and other international state actors who have continued to support his administration’s programmes and policies to end human trafficking in the state.
He said with the support of donor agencies and other international stakeholders we will provide sustainable sources of livelihood for the over 5,000 returnees in the state and other youths who were lured into human trafficking.
According to the United Nations, the 2020 theme,: “Confronting Slavery’s Legacy of Racism Together”, underscores the reality that lasting effects of the transatlantic slave trade, including racism, continue to divide societies across the globe and hamper our advancement towards a world that respects human rights and enables sustainable development for all. Only through confronting these legacies can we truly promote inclusion and move forward together.
