Human Trafficking: Obaseki Advocates Skills-Based Migration

Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the Edo State Governor, stated that Edo citizens leaving the country for other part of the world can compete favourably and have a better chance at life, if they are equipped with on-demand skills.

The governor who said the state government is already working out modalities for Edo youth to develop these skills in the state, while speaking to Edo State indigenes under the aegis of Great Benin Origins (GBO) Worldwide, in Brussels, Belgium.

Obaseki stated that his administration was working out modalities with local and international partners to train youth in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), so that they can be globally competitive, while adding that the activities of human traffickers have given the state a bad name.

“Instead of all these people coming in to take money from these children, you can come, we will register you, we will train you, we will certify you and give you visas to go and work abroad. That is how it is done in other countries.

“Our people are very important, and I am calling on you to join me in laying the foundation for the future,” he said.

He applauded the group for working assiduously in sustaining the Benin identity, calling for a united front in the quest to develop the state.

According to him, “Let us not make ourselves sub-minorities. Let us show unity and strength in numbers. So, we must make sure we come together, and reach out to others as Edo people.

“We are doing other things in the area of infrastructure. That is the one you will see. We are rebuilding our road networks. Thank God we have a well-planned like city”

Engr. Isaac Igbinosun, the President, Great Benin Origins (GBO) Worldwide, applauded the governor for his leadership prowess, and his commencement to empowering the youth and also see to the economic prosperity of the state.

“We are proud of you, we are proud of your achievement since you took over the leadership of governing our state, Edo. We feel safe each time we look at what you are doing. We are solidly behind you and anytime we are called upon, we will be there to contribute our quota back home. It is always said that no matter where you go, home is home. We are very proud of you, we encourage you to continue,” Igbinosun said.

The Great Benin Origin (GBO) is a social cultural organization that seeks to bring all Edo indigenes in diaspora under one umbrella with the purpose of restoring the lost glory of the great Benin Kingdom, promoting the Edo culture and tradition and assisting the economic development of the state.

Igbinosun stated that the group was out to foster the conservation of Edo cultures include sponsorship of Edo culture and language competitions, award of scholarships to primary and secondary schools’ students as well as organising a diaspora state workers’ programme for the youth.

He admonished the state government to continue to enhance the ease of doing business, as members of the group are keen on investing in various aspects of the state’s economy with focus on agriculture and food security.