BENIN CITY – Edo State government has expressed its determination to eradicate human trafficking and other social vices prevalent in the society.
Wife of the state deputy governor, Deaconess Endurance Odubu made the assertion when she presented five sewing machines and five hair dryers on behalf of the state government and the office of the First Lady to the management of the Benin office of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons (NAPTIP) and other related offences.
The deputy governor’s wife, shortly before the formal presentation of the empowerment items to the agency in Benin City said the state government is prepared to collaborate with the agency and other organizations in the efforts to make children conform to acceptable norms in the society.
Deaconess Odubu noted with hope that the butterfly sewing machines and hair dryers would facilitate training at the Skills Acquisition Centre of NAPTIP.
She informed the management team of NAPTIP that the empowerment items is in response to the challenges the agencies faces in terms of materials to empower young girls and women who have been rescued from the dangers of trafficking.
The Special Adviser on Special Duties, Hajia Maimuna Momodu said the state government has always kicked against trafficking in persons stressing machines would not only equip the girls with skills, but also make them less vulnerable to social vices.
State Commander of the agency Cordelia Ebiringa appreciated the level of cooperation and support NAPTIP has enjoyed from the state government.
She stated in a show of gratitude that the school renovation and the provision of free bus ride for students in school uniform by the state government would discourage the involvement of young girls and boys in social vices and promised to use the items judiciously.