Edo Ministry To Tackle Trafficking, Empower Women
By Osehobo Ofure, Benin-City
Edo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Lady Marie Bisi Idaomi has said that to address human trafficking and empower women strategic partnerships with key stakeholders is necessary.
During a meeting with officials of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Benin City, Idaomi called for stronger collaboration between the Ministry and NAPTIP in this regard.
She also urged the agency to develop a comprehensive framework at the national level to keep the Ministry of Women Affairs across the country fully involved in tackling the menace.
“If we want to talk about collaboration, we should look at the bigger picture. We need to be able to tell our Governor that Edo State is no longer stigmatized as a hub for human trafficking,” Idaomi stated. She emphasized the need for data-driven approaches and sustained funding to ensure continued progress.
NAPTIP Zonal Commandant Mr. Ganiu Aganran in response 9reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to working closely with the Ministry and assured that meeting highlights would be escalated to the national level. He also confirmed that trafficking statistics in the State showed a decline, signaling progress in the fight against human trafficking.
Meanwhile, the Ministry is also advancing women’s economic empowerment through a potential partnership with Vesa Fisheries. Chief Idaomi, alongside her team, met with the CEO of Vesa Fisheries, Mrs. Veronica Igbe, in Benin City to discuss initiatives for promoting women’s welfare.
Key areas of collaboration include the establishment of crèches for nursing market women and training programs in fish business and related economic ventures. Mrs. Igbe expressed optimism about the initiative, describing it as a step toward economic prosperity for women and their households.
The Ministry remains committed to fostering inter-agency cooperation and private-sector partnerships to enhance social development in Edo State.
