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Activists under the aegis of Network of CSO Against Human Trafficking in Niger Delta this Monday held a rally in parts of Benin to commemorate the World Migration Day. According to Statistics, Nigeria has the 5th largest number of citizens crossing to Europe and the highest number of irregular migrants flow through the Agadez route and Edo State rank the highest in Nigeria. The activists cladded in black clothes in solidarity with the victims of human trafficking in Edo State brandished placards with various inscriptions calling on government to formulate laws to check the menace of illegal migration. President of Network of CSO Against Human Trafficking in Niger Delta, Jennifer Ero who led the protest attributed the causes of illegal migration to failure of government. According to her, the huge rate of unemployment in the Niger Delta, (where it is prevalent) has equally created fertile ground for trafficking in persons and irregular migration. She lamented that even in the f...

Edo State Government promises succour for returnees Okoduwa hails Obaseki on appointment Edo State Government has restated its commitment towards nipping the scourge of illegal migration currently pervading the state on the bud. The Special Senior Assistant on Human Trafficking and Illegal Migration to the state Governor, Comrade Solomon Okoduwa made the assurance Tuesday at a ceremony to mark the World Migration Day in Benin City. While expressing government's readiness in ensuring the Libya returnees and other victims of human trafficking of the state's origin are rehabilitated and Incorporated into the society, Okoduwa said the state government has approved one hundred million Naira (N100,000,000) seed grant and 150 hectares of farmlands for some recently trained returnees in view to engaging them in various skills as they have become more vulnerable. The SSA on Human Trafficking and Illegal Migration said it was an ongoing process that will benefit all those who avail thems...

As plight of migrants raises Global concerns, the newly appointed Senior Special Assistant, SSA, to Governor Godwin Obaseki, on Human Trafficking and illegal migration, Comrade Solomon Okoduwa, Sunday, disclosed that coalition of Civil Society groups in Benin will join the rest of the world in a mass rally against the ills illegal migration. He said the International Migrant day rally which is convene under the umbrella of Network Against Human Trafficking, (NCAHT), will also afford stakeholders the opportunity to sensitise the youth against the dangers of illegal migration. Recalled that Edo State government had in the last one month received over 1,800 migrants deported from Libyan enroute to Europe in search of a better life. A statement signed by Okoduwa noted: “It is a day to remember those who lost their lives in the process. We want to use the day to speak to the mind of our youths to begin to look inward to better their lives than seeking fortune in other climes. He said it is ...

Few weeks ago, Police Men from Edo State Command, official of Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development (MWASD) and Jennifer Ero led Child Protection Network, a team on a tipoff went to rescue a little boy who was maltreated and manhandled by the father, Mr. Pius Happy and the step mother Mrs. Alice Pius were latter arrested with the help of Amagba Community leaders and charged to court. The case between the Commissioner of Police and Defendant, Mr. Pius Happy and his wife, Mrs Alice Pius upon appearance in court was latter taken over by the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) represented by Barr. Adekunbi commenting on reasons why the DPP decided to take over the case. The new prosecution counsel, Barr. Adekunbi said: "the matter is of public interest hence, the need for the Ministry of Justice to take over and ensure justice for the little baby who is less than three years". The defence counsel who is a party to the suit however, declined interview. The ...

A Benin based Human Rights Activist and President of Initiative for Youth Awareness on Migration, Immigration, Development and Re-integration, IYAMIDR, Comrade Solomon Okoduwa has been appointed as Senior Special Assistant on Human Trafficking and Illegal Migration to Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State. Prior to the appointment, Solomon Okoduwa was a member of the state Committee Against Human Trafficking. He has also held various related offices. Governor Godwin Obaseki at the different fora described Solomon Okoduwa as hardworking and focused. Okoduwa has been at the forefront on the awareness on the dangers of illegal migration and benefits of getting engaged back here in Nigeria and Edo State in particular. Appointment of Solomon Okoduwa has been described as a well deserved appointment, while it's being celebrated in the civil society community. #ProjectEdo