By Josephine Oguntoyinbo

The Ondo State Government has reiterated its commitment to tackling human trafficking and providing necessary support to relevant stakeholders in curbing the menace.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Dr Seun Osamaye, gave the assurance during a visit by the Ondo State Task Force on Trafficking in Persons. The team was led by the Secretary, Blessing Olanrewaju., to the Ministry.

Osamaye, who spoke via a phone call, apologised for her inability to attend the meeting in person, citing other pressing matters requiring her attention.

She reiterated that the administration led by the Governor of Ondo State, Hon.Lucky Aiyedatiwa, would render all necessary support to the Task Force to ensure human trafficking is reduced to the barest minimum.

“It is unacceptable for the state government to see our children being trafficked to other countries of the world,” she said.

She further emphasised various government initiatives aimed at empowering the youth and women of the state to prevent self-trafficking.

Earlier, the Secretary of the Task Force, Blessing Olanrewaju, thanked the Special Adviser for honouring their request and congratulated her on her reappointment. She stated that the visit aimed to familiarise the Ministry of Women Affairs with the Task Force’s objectives.

According to her, the Ondo State Task Force on Human Trafficking was inaugurated on March 26, 2019, with the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice as its Chairman.

A member of the Task Force, Mr Emmanuel Adaramola of the Emmanuel World Children’s Foundation, expressed concern over the increasing rate of human trafficking. He urged the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to integrate anti-trafficking awareness into all its programmes to sensitise the public.

He also appealed to the state government, through the Ministry, to demonstrate the political will required to host the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), scheduled to visit Ondo State in June this year.

The Directors of Social Welfare and Child Development, Mr Adebayo Oyegunwa and Mr Mefun Tophas, affirmed the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with the Task Force in the fight against human trafficking. They appreciated the visit and encouraged the team to remain steadfast in their efforts.

Responding, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr Sola Oladeji, emphasised the need to address the root causes of trafficking. He urged various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to revive their youth empowerment programmes to reduce the migration and self-trafficking of young people.

The Ondo State Task Force on Trafficking in Persons comprises professionals from various MDAs, NGOs, and paramilitary agencies.