Oba of Benin, Belgium Envoy, Uwaibi Seek Synergy in Fight against Human Trafficking

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akplokpolo, Ewuare II, and the Ambassador of Belgium to Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt, recently called for collaboration and sustained advocacy against human trafficking and irregular migration.

Both gave their voices when Leenknegt, accompanied by the Managing Director, Edo State Investment Promotion office (ESIPO), Kelvin Uwaibi, and a Director in the State Civil Service, Mosis Obakpolor, paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Oba at the weekend in Benin-city, the Edo State capital.

Whilespeaking, Oba Ewuare II stated that human trafficking does not seem to be a menace that can be completely eradicated from society, except with concerted efforts.

The monarch said human trafficking and irregular migration, which are intertwined, though not peculiar to the African continent, pose a great threat to Europe and other continents of the world.

The Oba recalled how the palace took serious steps to address the scourge when Benin-city was erroneously tagged by Western media as a hub for human trafficking a few years back.

According to the Benin monarch, “Human trafficking is a menace that has been with mankind for a long time. The problem is that human trafficking is tied to irregular migration.

On his part, Leenknegt lamented the plights of many Nigerian migrants, adding that they are being exploited. He commended Oba Ewuare II for leading the campaign against human trafficking and irregular migration, noting that the Belgian Government plans to cooperate with Nigeria, relevant institutions, and other stakeholders in sensitising people about the risk of getting entangled in the network of human traffickers.

He said: “Your Majesty, I know that the fight against human trafficking and exploitation is very close to your heart.”