…expends N300m on their rehabilitation
Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin
The Edo State Government has reintegrated a total of 4,943 indigenes of the state who returned from Libya in the past two years.
The Chairperson of the Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking, Prof. Yinka Omoregbe, disclosed this to our correspondent in Benin.
Omoregbe, who said the taskforce had recorded a great achievement within the two years of its operation, disclosed that the reintegrated Libya returnees comprised 3,329 males; 1,400 females and 214 children.
She said the state government had expended over N300 million on the rehabilitation and reintegration of the returnees.
The chairperson, however, said that the taskforce had also received support from some international organisations to enhance its operation.
According to her, because of the successes recorded by the taskforce, it has become a reference point internationally and within the country.
Omoregbe said, “Even NAPTIP has acknowledged this and also encouraged states in the country to adopt our system. We have an effective system of rehabilitation in place upon the arrival of the returnees.
“We are also involved in investigation and prosecution of those involved in the act as well as examining the root cause of trafficking. Similarly, we also sensitise our people against the danger of travelling out through illegal means.
“These activities are fully funded by the state government. But we are now receiving assistance from different organisations and that has enabled us to be more effective in our assignment.”
The taskforce chairperson also noted that to stem the scourge of illegal migration, the state government had made massive investment in the education sector, in addition to creating various empowerment programmes for the youth.
