By Gloria Osemudiamhen
The Edo State Government through its Office of the First Lady in collaboration with the State Migration Agency has coordinated the rescue of Miss Iwinosa Okuonobo, a 20-year-old woman, who was alleged to have been trafficked to Burkina Faso at the age of 15years, with the guise of getting a job in Dubai.
During a welcome ceremony at the Festival Hall of the Government House in Benin City, The State Governor, Sen. Okpebholo, represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Rt. Hon. Samson Osagie, reiterated the State Government’s dedication to combating human trafficking and irregular migration in the State.
Sen. Okpebholo reiterated his administration’s commitments to pursuing legally, the implementation of the established laws on human trafficking, stating that was why the Edo State Trafficking in Persons Law of 2018 was replaced by the Edo State Migration Law. He asserted that the new Law was designed to protect vulnerable women and children who have been most affected by the ugly incidences of human trafficking and migration in the State.
In her remarks, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, appreciated the Sen. Okpebholo-led administration and the Director General, Edo State Migration Agency, Hon. Lucky Agazuma for the Agency’s role in rescuing Miss Okuonobo. She reaffirmed her Office’s dedication to supporting vulnerable children, promising comprehensive care comprising rehabilitation, reintegration, education, healthcare, amongst others for Miss Okuonobo.
Mrs. Anani stated, “Today, we are here to welcome our daughter home with a warm embrace from everybody here. We are here to tell her that we stand with her. Her story is just beginning, but she is already a success. I’m a very strong believer that everything happens for a reason.
“Her story will save another girl from going through what she has endured. Her story is one of inspiration for another child, and it’s also a story of resilience. She cried out for help and shared her story. We will rescue every child that cries out for help, and we will break the chain of illegal migration in this State. No longer will our children be forced into exploitation.”
While advocating for justice, Mrs. Anani expressed deep concerns about the prevalence of rape cases; fathers sleeping with children, among other issues. She urged relevant stakeholders to promote awareness and protect the dignity of children, noting, “I keep saying this body of ours is the temple of the living God and it should not be violated.
“Let’s sensitize our environment and State; please give value to every girl child in this State. Make her to know she is more than enough; she’s important. Make her know that she’s loved; Make her know that her voice matters; Make her know that she’s safe. Let’s preserve the honour of our children and protect them. It is heartbreaking to think that anyone has to endure violation, especially to pay for something they have no knowledge of.”
Hon. Agazuma appreciated the Governor, Sen. Okpebholo and Mrs. Anani for their prompt response and collaborative efforts. He specifically thanked Mrs. Anani for her maternal support and dedication to bringing the survivor home from Burkina Faso.
Miss Okuonobo expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the State Government and the Migration Agency for their great support and love she received. She said her profiteers subjected her to sex servitude in Burkina-Faso instead of the promised job in the United Arab Emirates.
