In a bid to combat human trafficking in Ondo State, the First Lady, Her Excellency, Mrs. Esther Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, has launched a decisive campaign against the scourge, as emphasized during a high-level meeting with the Ondo State Comptroller of Immigration, FA Anara, PCC, at the command headquarters in Akure.
The meeting aimed to boost collaboration between the state government and the Nigerian Immigration Service, focusing on border security, public awareness, and intelligence-sharing to combat human trafficking.
Also present at the strategic discussion were other senior immigration officials, including DCI MB Maku, PSC, Passport Control Officer of the Akure Passport Office, and ACI AO Aderibigbe, head of the Human Resources Management Section.
Mrs. Esther Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa stressed the importance of a united front against human trafficking during her visit, describing it as a serious threat to the dignity and future of the state’s youth.
The Ondo First Lady emphasized the need for proactive measures, community sensitization, and strict enforcement of immigration laws to protect vulnerable individuals.
She urged the government to appoint more women to key public offices, highlighting the vital role women play in shaping policies that safeguard vulnerable groups and promote family values, and emphasizing that empowering women in leadership positions is a strategic approach to combating trafficking by amplifying the voices of those most affected.
Comptroller FA Anara praised the First Lady’s proactive stance and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to collaborating with the state government to combat human trafficking and related crimes.
He ensured that the command would intensify its surveillance and enforcement activities to disrupt the operations of human traffickers.
The meeting is expected to pave the way for more coordinated efforts and innovative strategies to tackle human trafficking, as the state government seeks to protect its citizens from exploitation and abuse.
