Ogona Anita
The Edo State Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to combat human trafficking and related crimes in the State.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, made this known during a courtesy visit by a NAPTIP delegation to her office in Benin City. She described human trafficking as an evolving and deeply troubling menace that demands deliberate, coordinated, and sustained action from all stakeholders.
Mrs. Abdallah expressed concern over the increasing vulnerability of young people, attributing it to shifting societal values and the growing quest for quick wealth. She stressed that exploitation in any form, including sexual abuse and forced labour, is unacceptable, and called for intensified value reorientation, stronger parental guidance, and community engagement to address the root causes of trafficking.
She affirmed that the State government remains committed to protecting women, children, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups, highlighting the present administration’s resolve to combat human trafficking by strengthening institutional frameworks, raising public awareness, and enhancing enforcement through coordinated collaboration with relevant agencies.
The Commissioner emphasized the significance of strengthening the partnership with NAPTIP, advocating for stronger coordination and more effective communication channels. She also highlighted the need to harmonize efforts with the Edo State Migration Agency to enhance collective impact.
Earlier, the Benin Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Barr. Sam Offiah, highlighted the agency’s mandate and its comprehensive strategy centered on prevention, protection, prosecution, partnership, and policy enforcement. He noted that NAPTIP regularly conducts public sensitization campaigns and collaborates with stakeholders to minimize the incidence of human trafficking in Edo State.
Barr. Offiah also presented Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials to the Commissioner to support ongoing statewide awareness initiatives on human trafficking.
