From: Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin-City
Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has charged the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to steer up potent security strategies to check illegal migration of armed men, unsuspecting terrorists and cross-border illegal arm smuggling around the various nation’s borders.
The monarch gave the charge when he received the Assistant Comptroller -General of Nigerian Immigration Service, zone G, Mrs. Didi Adaezee, and top officers in the zone at his palace in Benin-City, Edo State capital.
He noted with seriousness that the palace is collaborating with the state government to turn away youths attention from illegal migration and trafficking in the state to self employed ventures and agro businesses,
The monarch also added that the export free zone at Galegele and others, including the proposed industrial estate to be established across the seven Local Government Areas of the Benin kingdom and others were put in place to check the menace of illegal migration and trafficking efforts.
The royal father also pointed that the palace was keenly monitoring the activities of youths and the various traditional and community leaders across all the communities in Edo South senatorial zone to ensure investors confidence.
He advised warring Ijaw and Istekiri groups in Ovia North East local Government Area to embrace peace and accept the Supreme Court judgement to fast-track economic growth in the state.
ACG Adaezee had earlier intimated the monarch that she was at the palace to pay homage as well as to seek his royal blessings
The zonal Comptroller of Immigration, stressed that Edo state topped ranked in illegal migration and trafficking to foreign countries, a development which she described as alarming.
Mrs. Adaezee, who listed ways out of the menace, stated that agriculture, skill acquisitions and establishment of industries were key in eliminating illegal migration and trafficking.