Edo Govt to Train 150 Victims of Human Trafficking, Other Returnees

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Edo State Government has initiated plans to commence training for 150 victims of human trafficking on agriculture and other vocations.

President of Initiatives for Youth Awareness on Migration, Development and Reintegration (IYAMIDR), Solomon Okoduwa, disclosed this to journalists yesterday in Benin-city.

He said the move was fallout of a meeting held with the state Governor, Godwin Obaseki, sequel to the recommendation made to the governor.

According to him, the training is in conjunction with the state Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and was approved for the benefits of Edo people.

“Obaseki has approved the training and empowerment programme for Edo youths and victims of human trafficking in Edo Agricultural Development Programme.

“150 returnees who are the first batch of people to benefit from human capacity programme which is aim at reintegrating and improving their skills in agricultural sector will help the returnee in the state to be self-reliance, responsive and responsible citizens.
He added that part of the benefits is to also build and enhance capacity in the agro-food chain, create a template for youths (returnees) as a means of reintegration, and to provide exemplary standard for intending migrants in addition to enhance food security.

“You will recall that May this year, during the workshop on human trafficking in the state, the governor promised the Edo people and urged the international community to provide enabling environment for our youths to harness their potential and end the menace of illegal migration and human trafficking in the state,” it stated