Obaseki calls for ongoing international efforts to stop human trafficking on Slavery Remembrance Day.

Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports

The governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has encouraged all parties to intensify international efforts to combat the scourge of human trafficking and all other types of modern slavery.

Yesterday, on the International Day for the Remembrance of Slave Trade and its Abolition, he made the call in Benin City.

Obaseki, who claimed that the state had made significant advancements in the fight against human trafficking, added that the government was putting reforms and legislation into place to maintain the successes achieved in doing so, particularly in the rehabilitation and resettlement of illegal immigrants who were deported.

The governor emphasized the importance of fostering stronger international relationships in order to eradicate contemporary slavery and other problems that are aided by human trafficking, calling this year’s theme, “Stories of Courage: Resistance to Slavery and Unity against Racism,” as appropriate.

He requested continued assistance for the state government’s efforts to eradicate human trafficking and all other kinds of slavery from the international community and other stakeholders.

He said, “On this day, it is crucial to underscore the necessity of bolstering worldwide efforts and cooperation to stop the scourge of human trafficking and all other kinds of modern slavery.

“Thanks to our strong relationship with business and international development organizations, we in Edo have achieved landmarks in the battle against human trafficking and all other types of human exploitation.”

“With their help, we have been able to significantly reduce the epidemic of human trafficking and irregular migration, which formerly robbed our youths—our most precious resources—of their property. If we are serious about reaching the worldwide aim of completely eradicating human trafficking, modern-day slavery, and all other forms of human exploitation, these alliances must be maintained.

“We have established the Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking; enacted the Edo State Trafficking in Persons Prohibition Law; and set machinery in motion for top-of-the-line basic and technical education in the state, as part of revved-up efforts to curb the trend of human.