Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has commended the African Union (AU) for recognising the peculiar travails of immigrants, returnees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) across the continent, noting there is a need to bring the issues to the front burner.
The governor said this in reaction to the declaration of 2019 as the Year of Immigrants, Returnees and IDPs by the AU, in recognition of the difficulty faced by many from fleeing conflict, disease and harsh socio-economic realities prevalent in a number of African countries.
In a statement, the governor hailed the AU for rising to the occasion to make a case for immigrants, returnees and IDPs, who are victims of a myriad of development challenges bedevilling the African continent.
“I’m very delighted that the African Union declared 2019 the year of immigrants, refugees and IDPs. This aligns with our very dogged fight to ensure we stem illegal migration and human trafficking in the state,” he said.
He said it is heartwarming that the continental body is throwing its weight behind such a pressing contemporary issue, which a number of African countries are grappling with, and called for a more robust cross-border stakeholders engagement in tackling the issues that arise from the scourge of illegal migration and human trafficking.
Noting that the state government has recorded modest success in tackling the menace, he assured his government’s readiness to share notes with other African countries facing similar challenges.
“As a knowledge-driven government, we are very much ready to share our success stories with other countries facing similar challenges, so that the issues can be tackled from all fronts and a sustainable, far-reaching solution reached.”
Meanwhile, Obaseki has expressed shock at the news of the passing of Osaretin Igbinedion, son of Chief Lucky Igbinedion, former governor of Edo State, and a family member, Eseosa Oyemwense.
In a statement issued in Benin by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, Obaseki said: “I commiserate with Chief Igbinedion and his wife, Eki, as well as the entire Igbinedion family over the passing of Osaretin and Eseosa Oyemwense.
“There are no adequate words to describe the deep sense of loss associated with the untimely passing of one’s child, irrespective of his age.
“I join friends and well-wishers of the Igbinedion family in prayers for the repose of the souls of the departed and urge the family to take solace in the assurance that we will meet again on the day of resurrection.”