Lucky Obukohwo, ReportingÂ
The Oba of Benin Ewuare II and the Ambassador of Belgium to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Pieter Leenknegt have called for collaborative and sustained advocacy against human trafficking and irregular migration in Edo State.
The resolution was resolution was reached when the Belgium Ambassador paid a courtesy visit to the Palace of the Oba in Benin City, Edo State.
Ambassador Leenknegt was accompanied by Mr Kelvin Uwaibi, Managing Director, Edo State Investment Promotion office and Mr Mosis Obakpolor, a Director in the State Civil Service.
This is coming five years after Oba Ewuare II, received global attention for laying a curse that broke the network of persons, groups and institutions that engaged in human trafficking and its related activities.
Oba Ewuare II told his guests that the human trafficking does not seem to be a menace that can be completely eradicated from the society, except with concerted efforts.
He said that human trafficking and illegal migration, which are intertwined scourge, though not peculiar to the African Continent, pose a great threat to Europe and other continents of the world.
The Oba recalled how his Palace took desperate measures to address them when Benin City was erroneously tagged by western media as a hub for human trafficking few years back
According to Oba Ewuare II, “Human trafficking is a menace that has been with mankind for a long time. The problem is that human trafficking is tied to illegal migration”.
Addressing the Benin throne earlier, Ambassador Leenknegt decried the plights of many Nigerian migrants that are being exploited.
He lauded Oba Ewuare II for leading the campaign against human trafficking and irregular migration, stressing that the Belgian government plans to cooperate with Nigeria, relevant institutions and other stakeholders in sensitizing “people about the risk of getting entangled in network of human traffickers.
“Your Majesty, I know this is very close to your heart; the fight against human trafficking and exploitation; so, we note this at Belgium,” Ambassador Leenknegt added.