Actionaid, IDRC intensify campaign against irregular migration in Edo

THE Country Director of Actionaid Nigeria, Ene Obi has lauded the Edo State Government and the wife of the state governor, Betsy Obaseki for their commitment to the fight against irregular migration amongst other societal ills.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the wife of the state governor, Betsy Obaseki in Benin City recently, Obi said the Actionaid and the Ideal Development and Resource Centre (IDRC) visit to the state was to appreciate the efforts of the governor’s wife in curbing irregular migration and to solicit areas of cooperation to tackle the trend in the state.

Obi who frowned at forced labour and irregular migration among youths in the state and country, said it is suicidal for any young person or group of persons regardless of their economic status or having been displaced to embark on irregular migration.

She sought the support of the state government in providing a parcel of land for the NGO’S building project, which she described as a development village for youths seeking entrepreneurship and empowerment.

According to her, the project will serve as a development and entrepreneurship centre for youths engaged by the NGO in training or skills acquisition.

On her part, Betsy Obaseki, who assured of government support to the NGO, commended Actionaid and IDRC training over 1,200 persons in the state who have since received their certification in different vocations.

She however stressed the need for more empowerment initiatives for not only youths, but also women in the state saying government is not only committed in curbing irregular migration but also determined to promote value chain development to grow local industry and improve the economy through women empowerment.

“I will discuss with the Governor, who is committed to the fast development of the state to consider a space for your project at the Benin Industrial Park for the training of Edo youths in the state,” Obaseki said.