Eben Enasco Reporting.
The Justice Development Peace and Caritas Initiatives Uromi, JDPCI, believes that a social dialogue with Journalists will help amplify the clusters advocacy campaigns that will draw the attention of Policy Makers in Nigeria.
It also stated that using the forum as a source of enlightenment will raise the understanding of the advocacy issues for the speedy attainment of the set goals.
Addressing participants on the theme; “activate and institutionalize Trafficking in-person response at the LGAs of Edo State by 2024 Using 3-LGAs” held on Thursday in Benin City, JDPCI Uromi, Executive Director, Very Rev. fr. Dr. Fidelity Arhedo, said the project had through a phased approach, invested in strengthening the capacity of key stakeholders around pertinent issues around the subject matter.
Arhedo emphasized that, in line with strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement, SCALE,
they aim to engage lawmakers, the Executive, LGAs Structure, and Relevant Ministries Departments and Agencies, MDAs, in ensuring
Legislative review of Edo State Trafficking in Person Prohibition Law 2018.
He said the review will make provisions for the creation of Trafficking in-person Response Units at the various Local Government Areas Levels in the state.
Continuing, he maintained that, the advocacy is also looking at the activation of the Victims Trust funds as stipulated under sections 67&68 of the Edo TIP law 2018 to empower the victims of human trafficking.
Arhedo added that they are also seeking to see an upward review in Budgetary allocation for the State task force against Human Trafficking, ETATH, to improve the provision of protection, reintegration, and rehabilitation services to survivors.
While noting the role of the media, he stressed that the greatest opportunity to arrest the scourge rests on local levels that will be transmitted by the media for the public interest.
On his part, the host and Chairman, of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe assured of the media’s continuous support in the state in sensitizing the public of the danger posed by human trafficking.
For the National Agency For the Prohibition of Trafficking in Person, NAPTIP, Benin Zonal Commander, Nduka Nwanwene, media is critical.
He expressed optimism that the synergy will promote public awareness drive.