ROME ( ITALY) – Efforts of Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki in anti-Human trafficking and illegal migration assumed focus at a stakeholders round table in Italy.
The stakeholders meeting was hosted at the Conference Hall of the Nigerian Embassy, Rome Italy.
The Italian leading stakeholders NGO’s included the International South-South Cooperation, CISS, Be Free Social Cooperative, Law Legs Aid Worldwide, Gus-Han Solidarity Group, European Women Lobby, Italian Session-S.Egidio Community, Mater Africa for International Cooperation Onlus as we as Member of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency.
In a Communique at the end of the session, they identified and commended the key role of the Edo state government against the scourge of human trafficking and illegal migration therefore called for urgent actions and synergy to curb the growing trend.
According to the Communique, “Trafficking in persons in Nigeria is increasingly becoming a professional trade as the growing desperation of Nigerians seeking greener pastures multiply opportunities for traffickers to make fortune.
“The Italian Embassy in Nigeria should reduced its stringent requirements for visa applicants to enable those seeking visa for genuine reasons to acquire.”
The communique also urged the Italian government and the EU to assist the Nigerian government to repatriates all looted funds to Nigeria for the purpose of developing the Nigerian youths and infrastructures.
The communique urgeg the EU/ Italian government to invest more on Preventive Measures in Nigeria, especially, Edo State.
“Edo State government should be supported to intensify its approach on advocacy to stop and discourage potential migrants from the rural communities.
“That Italian government and Nigerian government must adopt a strong approach and measures to stem the tide of young persons undertaking dangerous and illegal journey out of Nigeria,” the communique added.
Nigeria Ambassador to Italy, His Excellency, Ambassador Yusuf Hinna, represented by the Minister’s Consular of Immigration, Salawu Bello, said that the federal government is not relenting in ensuring that the welfare of its citizens in any any part of the world is Paramount, adding the war against human trafficking requires global cooperation and partnership.
On his part , Comrade Solomon Okoduwa, former Senior Special Assistant to Edo State Governor on Anti Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration Issues who led the Edo delegation, also harped on the need to sustain intensive advocacy and massive campaign.
