The Edo State Deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, has said the long-term initiatives put in place by the state government has help to reduce the menace of illegal migration and human trafficking.
Shaibu, who disclosed this over the weekend, said Edo has seized to be the spotlight of illegal migration and human trafficking in the country.
He spoke during the International Organization for Migration (IOM)-Laliga-Nigerian Women Football League (NWFL) Football tournament in Benin, the state capital.
Shaibu listed the initiatives responsible for the drastic reduction in the menace to include strengthening the girl-child education, domestication of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law and collaborative efforts with many organisations, including the IOM.
He commended IOM and the first lady of Edo State, Betsy Obaseki, for championing the fight against illegal migration and human trafficking.
The Deputy Governor noted that the tournament came at a time when the state government was redefining sports management.
“We are bringing the potential of the girl-child and for them to have that confidence to know that God created them and planted something in them. Every woman has a natural gift as a mother and in management affairs.”
“As far as sports is concerned, it is awake today. Edo State has been on recess for decades in terms of sport. But, today, Edo is back and its heart is beating, and because of that, Nigeria is also back as far as Edo is concerned,” Shaibu said.
Earlier, IOM Awareness Raising Officer, Cyprine Cheptepkeny, said the essence of the football tournament was to enlighten potential migrants on the dangers of illegal migration, adding that IOM want to use sports as a unifier following the stigma most returnees face.
On her part, Wife of Edo State governor said initiatives that had changed the state’s narrative in illegal migration would sustained beyond the present administration.
“it is a way for us to let our girls know that you don’t have to leave the shore of Nigeria to earn money. Football is a veritable avenue to migrate and earn money” she said.
