FIC Report (Edo State) – The Edo State government and the United Kingdom have concluded plans to introduce video-conferencing in courtrooms to make it easier for people to testify in cases of human trafficking.
This was revealed when the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, received Harriet Thompson, the British Deputy High Commissioner during a courtesy visit at the Government House, Benin City.
The governor said his administration has increased investment in education, digital infrastructure, job creation and power, among other reforms to tackle illegal migration and human trafficking.
Governor Obaseki said the creation of sustainable programmes in areas prone to illegal migration in the state would discourage human trafficking, noting that significant successes have been recorded in the areas of arrest, trial and prosecution of human traffickers.
He further emphasized the need for cooperation between the United Kingdom and the Edo State Government to fine-tune ongoing initiatives in the state for better results, stating that commensurate investment had not been recorded in funding capacity building programmes to engage potential victims.
According to the Governor, available verifiable data showed that migration from the state had dropped and traffickers have started relocating to other centres.
Earlier,The British High Commissioner, Harriet Thompson expressed satisfaction with the innovations being introduced into governance by Governor Godwin Obaseki which is geared towards improving the lives of citizens.
She noted that the UK government would explore investment opportunities currently being created by the governor in technology and agriculture sector to create meaningful employment for young people.
She revealed that the commission was already in partnership with some state government agencies       such as the Edo State Skills Development Agency (EdoJobs), to build skills and create jobs for young people.
Ijeoma Igheghe
FIC BENIN
