By Josephine Oguntoyinbo

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The Ondo State Government has expressed deep concern over the increasing incidence of immoral practices involving young girls in the state, vowing to clamp down on anyone found guilty of engaging in such unwholesome acts.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Dr Seun Osamaye stated this during a courtesy visit by the new Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Ondo State Command, CIS Felicia Amaka Anara to the Ministry.

Osamaye described as unacceptable the lodging of underage girls in hotels, their loitering during school hours, and hawking after school across the state.

She expressed appreciation for the Comptroller’s visit, acknowledging the effort despite her demanding schedule.

According to her, the partnership between the NIS and the Ondo State Ministry of Women Affairs would enhance efforts to tackle child labour, human trafficking, and the problem of out-of-school children through stakeholder sensitisation.

She emphasised the importance of educating the public on the laws surrounding these issues to prevent claims of ignorance when enforcement begins.

Osamaye assured the Comptroller of the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with the NIS, emphasising the importance of joint efforts in fulfilling their shared mandate.

She also led the Comptroller and her team on a tour of the Ministry’s skill acquisition training facilities.

Osamaye reiterated that the Aiyedatiwa administration’s “OUR EASE” agenda is centred on inclusivity and the protection and empowerment of vulnerable gr itoups in society.

In her remarks, CIS Felicia Amaka Anara thanked the Ministry for the warm reception and highlighted that her visit was prompted by reports from her officers, who had observed underage girls lodged in hotels during inspection tours. She stressed the need for synergy between the NIS and the Ministry to curb this disturbing trend.

Anara also appealed for the Ministry’s support in establishing a crèche at the NIS office to enable nursing mothers within the agency to practise exclusive breastfeeding for six months, in line with government policy.

She outlined several reforms within the Immigration Service and commended the Ondo State Government for its various women-centred initiatives championed by the Ministry of Women Affairs.

The Comptroller further called for the Ministry’s support in addressing broader humanitarian challenges in the state.