Ondo First Lady Esther Aiyedatiwa declares war on human trafficking, calls for more women in leadership roles
By Julius Alabi, Akure
The Wife of Ondo State Governor, Mrs. Esther Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa has emphasised the need for enhanced strategies to address the rising cases of human trafficking in the state.
Mrs Aiyedatiwa made this known at a meeting with the Ondo State Comptroller of Immigration, FA Anara, at the command headquarters in Akure.
The meeting was aimed at fostering stronger collaboration between the state government and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).
It was also focused on enhancing border security, creating public awareness, and strengthening intelligence-sharing to combat human trafficking effectively.
According to her, there is a need for a united front against human trafficking in the state as it has posed a serious threat to the dignity and future of the youths in the state.
She highlighted the importance of proactive measures, community sensitization, and stringent enforcement of immigration laws to safeguard vulnerable individuals.
She, however, called on the government at all levels to encourage the appointment of more women into key public offices, noting that women play a crucial role in shaping policies that protect vulnerable groups and strengthen family values.
Mrs Aiyedatiwa stressed that empowering women in leadership positions is a strategic way to combat the root causes of trafficking, as it gives a voice to those most affected by such crimes.
While speaking, the Comptroller FA Anara commended the First Lady for her proactive stance, saying, “I am assuring you of the command’s commitment to collaborating with the state government to combat the menace and related crimes.
“The command will intensify its surveillance and enforcement activities to disrupt the operations of human traffickers in the state.
Present at the strategic discussion were other senior immigration officials, including DCI MB Maku, PSC, the Passport Control Officer of the Akure Passport Office, and ACI AO Aderibigbe, who heads the Human Resources Management Section.
