In a move to combat human trafficking in Ondo State, the First Lady, Her Excellency, Mrs Esther Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, has declared war on the menace.
This commitment was emphasized during a high-level meeting with the Ondo State Comptroller of Immigration, F.A Anara, PCC, at the command headquarters in Akure.
The meeting, aimed at fostering stronger collaboration between the state government and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), focused on enhancing border security, creating public awareness, and strengthening intelligence-sharing to combat human trafficking effectively.
Present at the meeting were senior immigration officials, including DCI MB Maku, PSC, the Passport Control Officer, Akure Office, and ACI A.O Aderibigbe, head of the Human Resources Management Section.
Speaking during the visit, Mrs Aiyedatiwa emphasized the need for a united front against human trafficking, describing it as a serious threat to the dignity and future of the state’s youth.
She highlighted the importance of proactive measures, community sensitization, and stringent enforcement of immigration laws to safeguard vulnerable individuals.
The Ondo First Lady also used the occasion to call on the government at all levels to encourage the appointment of more women into key public offices, noting that women play a crucial role in shaping policies that protect vulnerable groups and strengthen family values.
She stressed that empowering women in leadership positions was a strategic way to combat the root causes of trafficking, as it gives a voice to those most affected by such crimes.
Comptroller F.A Anara, while commending the First Lady for her proactive stance, reiterated the command’s commitment to collaborating with the state government to combat human trafficking and related crimes.
Anara assured that the command would intensify surveillance and enforcement activities to disrupt the operations of human traffickers.
The meeting is expected to pave the way for more coordinated efforts and innovative strategies to tackle human trafficking, as the state government seeks to protect its citizens from exploitation and abuse.
