Edo state Godwin Obaseki has restated his administration commitment to combating irregular migration in the state.
Speaking at the 2022 International Day for the Abolition of Slavery in Benin city, the governor who was represented by his deputy, Philip Shaibu called on all stakeholders to join hand in strengthening efforts at ending slavery in all forms.
He recounted the successes recorded by his administration at combating irregular migration and human trafficking in the state.
The deputy governor also added that the present administration will continue to provide reforms and programmes that is geared towards ending modern day slavery.
The Edo State government has been at the forefront of the fight against irregular migration since 1999 when most Nigerians began to see the problem that irregular migration has become with the huge numbers of prostitutes being exported to Europe particularly from Edo State.
Then Governor of the State Lucky Igbinedion was very prominent in the repatriation of irregular and illegal migrants from Edo State especially Ladies who were into prostitution in several Italian cities.
The State government even started a programme headed by the First Lady, Eki Igbinedion, on repatriating illegal migrants from Italy, Libya and Other European countries.
The outcry that followed some of the reported acts of cruelty meted out to some illegal migrants principally ladies who were financially tied to their so called benefactors who sponsored their trip abroad.
The activities geared towards the repatriation of people who were caught up in this kind of web was also behind the establishment of the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons, NAPTIP, first headed by Caroline Ndaguba.
The Nigerians In Diaspora Organisation was also later established to addressed issues faced by Nigerians abroad which borders on abuses and Modern Day slavery disguised as domestic work especially in the Middle East.
