Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has revisited Edo’s history with the Roman Empire, while discussing ways to strengthen ties between the state and the Italian government, particularly in areas of migration and human trafficking.
This was as Governor Obaseki hosted the Italian ‘Presidente’ of the Chamber of Deputies, Hon. Laura Boldrini, accompanied by Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Fulvio Rustico, to a state dinner at the Edo State Government House in Benin City, during the weekend.
Governor Obaseki stressed that over 400 years ago, the first ambassador from the Old Bini Kingdom was in Rome and about 500 years ago, the kingdom had relationship with the Roman Empire.
He noted that human trafficking was a challenge facing the state and the country, while expressing confidence that a sustainable relationship could be established with Italy, adding that Boldrini’s service to humanity through migrants and refugees was commendable.
He said: “Her activities in food and agricultural organisation has helped in no little way to bring succour and food to migrants and refugees. We thank you for your diligent services to humankind and humanity in general. We believe and we are convinced that you will continue in the same way. Benin City is your home”, he said.
Meanwhile, Boldrini, who noted that she was in Benin for the first time, and expressed delight at the hospitality she had enjoyed in Benin, said the relationship would open doors of investment for Italian government and the Edo State government.
She added that their renewed relationship would open new frontiers to explore the potentials of both governments and create new ways of enhancing development to better the lives of the people.
