By Bridget Tikyaa
Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue on Friday, inaugurated the State steering committee of “Save the Benue Child” project to mitigate child trafficking in the State
Performing the ceremony in Makurdi, Alia said the Benue child has faced serious challenges over the years and all hands must be on deck to change the narrative.
Represented by Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mnyim, Alia said the Benue child has being facing issues ranging from of lack of quality education, healthcare, nutritional deficit among others.
Mnyim is the State Chairman, Benue Taskforce on Human Trafficking saddled with the responsibility to lead the state efforts at mitigating the ugly trend in the state.
He said the state government planned to use the project to collaborate with all stakeholders, through community outreach, engagements and provision of support services
“Today, we acknowledge the stark reality that many Children in Benue are faced with challenges that no child should ever endure.
“From inadequate access to education, healthcare, to the harsh impacts of crisis, poverty and neglect. These young lives are at risk, but we also recognise an immense opportunity to effect meaningful change and to forge a path towards hope.
“The “Save the Benue Child” project is not just a response to these challenges, it is also a commitment to action. The goal is to create a comprehensive support system that addresses the needs of these children holistically.
“We will focus on activities such as improving access to quality education, ensuring health and nutrition, Identifying and rescuing child victims of human trafficking, child exploitation, sexual abuse and provision of support services for vulnerable rescued children.
“Others are prosecuting perpetrators and holding them accountable, raising awareness and sensitising communities on human trafficking and child exploitation and providing the necessary support to safeguard their well-being.”he said.
Alia said government would join forces with local communities and non-governmental organizations to ensure that the efforts are both impactful and sustainable.
Earlier, Mrs Mabel Ade, Executive Director, Adinya Arise Foundation (AAF), said the event was a pivotal moment in the collective fight against human trafficking.
Ade said AAF was aimed at mitigating the scourge of trafficking from Benue communities.
She said the Foundation, as the anchor organization of the USAID- Palladium’s Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) CTIP Cluster, was dedicated to advocating for strong legislative measures against trafficking.
In her remarks, the Zonal Coordinator, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mrs Gloria Bai, said the agency needed all stakeholders to help save the future of the Benue child.
Bai, who is also the Co- Chairman of “Benue Taskforce on Human Trafficking” said the number of traficking incidents have being on the rise in the State.
Bridget Tikyaa
PSA Media Publicity and Communication Strategy