From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin

Edo State Government has restated its commitment towards nipping the scourge of illegal migration currently pervading the state in the bud.

Special Senior Assistant on Human Trafficking and Illegal Migration to the governor, Solomon Okoduwa, gave the assurance at a ceremony to mark the World Migration Day in Benin.

Expressing government’s readiness to rehabilitate the Libya returnees and other victims of human trafficking of the state’s origin, Okoduwa said the state has approved N100 million seed grant and 150 hectares of farmlands for some recently trained returnees to engage them in various skills as they have become more vulnerable.

He said it was an ongoing process that will benefit all those who avail themselves of the programme.

He said: “The dedication of policies and programmes of empowerment, employment and reintegration of returnees , as an attempt to cushioning the root causes of illegal migration which has always served as a fertile ground for the illegal business, were government’s bold steps.

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Okoduwa added that the current openness of government for concrete covenants on partnerships with international NGOs, Civil Society organisations, religious institutions, traditional rulers, women and youth based organisations in the consolidated fight against illegal migration

However, the governor’s aide identified government’s sincerity of purpose in ensuring the arrest and prosecution of human traffickers in Edo state to serve as a deterrent to those who see business in the unwholesome venture.

Earlier, a rally was held in parts of Benin by activists, under the aegis of Network of CSO Against Human Trafficking in Niger Delta, to mark the World Migration Day.

Meanwhile, the state Assembly yesterday sworn-in Mr. Godwin Adenomo following a Supreme Court judgment. 

Adenomo, representing (APC) Ovia South West constituency replaces Mr. Sunday Aghedo, who was sacked by the Supreme Court on December 8, 2017.

Speaker Kabiru Adjoto, said: “Adenomo has forwarded copies of declaration of assets and liabilities to the office of the speaker.”