It was revealed to Obaland Magazine that the Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki has been decorated by ActionAid Nigeria, a social justice organization, as a ‘Safe Migration Ambassador’ for his administration’s efforts in tackling irregular migration.
The governor received the honour during a courtesy visit by executives of ActionAid Nigeria led by the Country Director, Ene Obi, at the Government House, in Benin City.
Receiving the guests, the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to end violence against women and children in the state, stressing that without social justice, Nigeria cannot end poverty among its citizens.
Obaseki commended ActionAid and its partners for supporting vulnerable persons and groups across the country, adding, “I want to commend you and your team for your good work, especially your support for the vulnerable, not only in Edo State but in your programmes in other states.
“Your work is a worthwhile gesture. I want to urge you to continue on this path. We have to agree with you that without social justice, we cannot end poverty.”
According to him, “We are aware of your programmes. I am conscious of the various initiatives you support, particularly the children parliament. You also work with us on the child protection policy, which we are grateful for.
“You have been partners with the Italian government on various initiatives on migration as well. We are quite excited when we find people like you who support these noble initiatives.”
Obaseki reassured ActionAid of robust partnership in training Edo youths on various entrepreneur skills, noting that his administration would treat the issue of violence against women and children as the top priority.
Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, Ene Obi, said that they have supported Edo to build systems that can prevent and respond to the full range of vulnerabilities and violations that children face.
“We also support the state to develop and print policy documents such as Edo State Child Protection Policy, referral directory and among others.”
“We want to use this medium to call for justice for all those who were raped and killed and other women who have suffered gender-based violence in the state,” she said.
