By Gloria Osemudiamhen
In commemoration of the year 2025 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons with the theme, “Human Trafficking is Organized Crime – End the Exploitation,” the Edo State Government through its Office of the First Lady, has partnered with the Edo State Migration Agency and other relevant stakeholders on a road walk sensitization as part of awareness campaign against human trafficking.
The road walk, which started at the Golf Course Road to the Secretariat of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, through the Edo State Government Secretariat Complex, to the Oba Ovonrame Square, in Benin City, attracted audiences from various Government ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as residents in the area. It aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of illegal migration and human trafficking, which have become deeply entrenched in society, hindering growth and development.
In an address, the Coordinator, Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, appreciated stakeholders, who took part in the campaign and reaffirmed the Edo State Government’s commitment to zero-tolerance policy on human trafficking. She emphasized that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted to the full provision of the law.
According to Mrs. Anani, “We are sending a strong message today that Edo State Government will not tolerate human trafficking in any form. The days of letting perpetrators off the hook are behind us. Our Agency has stepped up enforcement, and our laws are clear; if you’re caught, you’ll face the consequences. We’re talking about protecting our children, our families, and our communities from exploitation. Our Governor is committed to this cause, and we’re urging everyone to join us. Let’s stand together against human trafficking and build a safer, brighter future for all.
“We say no to intra-human trafficking. Bringing people from one state to another for exploitation is a no-go area. Recruiting children from schools and deceiving them is not allowed. The consequences are dire; if caught, you will be prosecuted. Edo State has a law against trafficking, and ignorance of the law is no excuse. Today, we appeal to everyone to lend their voice against trafficking. We’ve taken a stand to raise awareness.”
Mrs. Anani disclosed that the State Government has implemented measures to support the reintegration and rehabilitation of returnees, particularly female survivors of human trafficking. She said the initiative aims to empower them to rebuild their lives. She highlighted the Edo State Government’s new direction, emphasizing Sen. Monday Okpebholo’s plans to drive industrial growth, create jobs, and empower youths to thrive.
In her words, “The Edo State Government has put in place comprehensive measures to facilitate the reintegration and rehabilitation of returnees, with a special focus on female survivors of human trafficking. These initiatives provide support and empowerment, enabling them to rebuild their lives with dignity. Furthermore, sensitization efforts are essential in delivering impactful anti-trafficking messages, promoting awareness, and preventing further exploitations.
“Our approach involves sensitizing the public about human trafficking, emphasizing it’s a crime. For returnees, we provide rehabilitation and integration support. Our upcoming ‘Level Up’ programme offers tailored education and skills acquisition with mentorship. For those who want to learn a skill, we’ll pair them with a mentor. Sensitization is key, so we’ll target schools, markets, and communities. We’ve also assisted trafficked girls in returning to their states.”
The Director General of the Edo State Immigration Agency, Hon. Lucky Agazuma, expressed gratitude to Mrs. Anani for her remarkable support and leadership in the sensitization initiative, which he described as a pioneering effort. He also emphasized the importance of speaking out against human trafficking, encouraging continued advocacy.
Hon. Agazuma added, “All this is happening today because we have the Governor who cares for his people. He is spending much on the Migration Agency, and at the same time, we also know that no organization succeeds in isolation. It is only with the collaboration we can expect an innovation. When you hear or see anything related to human trafficking; see it, say it, stop it. For those who are trafficked, we will admit when the family rejects. We rehabilitate and reintegrate them back to the society. On reintegration, the State Government is doing much on empowerment, skills acquisition, and other relevant interventions.”
The Director General of the Edo State Diaspora Agency, Dr. Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okoh appreciated the administration for pioneering teamwork in Edo State, saying they are proud to see agencies collaborating on the State’s progress by amplifying the truth and fight against exploitation.
The Chairman of NUJ, Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, pledged support for combating human trafficking with the assurance that the event will be widely publicised. He decried the challenges in prosecuting human traffickers, saying some families of trafficked persons accept bribes from traffickers to drop charges, which according to him, perpetuates traffickers in the heinous crime. He urged relevant stakeholders to address the issue, emphasizing the need to hold traffickers accountable to prevent further exploitations of the vulnerable.
