Edo first lady woos investors, unveils plan to curb trafficking

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

The office of the First Lady of Edo State has disclosed plans to woo investors to the state to boost employment generation drive of the state government which would help discourage human trafficking especially among children and teenagers in the state.
This was made know to newsmen on the sideline of Alaghodaro (moving forward) Summit as part of activities if the state governor to mark one year anniversary of governor Godwin Obaseki.
The first lady stand atbthe summit aptly capturedthe project, tagged “Edo Women for Agriculture and Enterprise, the Lady mechanic Initiative, the lady cobbler Initiative and on going effort to reduce Neonatal mortality in Edo State.
The Wife of the Governor, said she plans to open an academy with successful female entrepreneurs in the state which will train women and girls in tangible skills that will guarantee their sustenance and pull them out of poverty.
Some of her partners who were exhibitors at her stand, Sandra Aguebor of the lady Mechanic Initiative, Deborah Okomolafe of the Debby World collection said Betsy Obaseki is the driving force for their venture in the State and expressed readiness to partner with her to actualize her vision in the State.
Sandra Aguebor of the Lady Mechanic Initiative said “the commitment of the her Excellency Betsy Obaseki to empower women in the state is unparalled in the history of this state.
Also speaking, Deborah Okomolafe said “one of the reasons the wife of the governor asked me to come to Edo State is because she wants to partner with us over this issue of trafficking. Some of these girls abroad are not doing well and they are afraid to come back because of the stigma. But if they can learn a trade, or what we are doing then they can fend for themselves and put an end to stigmatization.”
Their views were further corroborated by the Edo state Commissioner for Women and Affairs and social development, Mrs. Magdalene Ohenhen who attributed the success of her ministry to the support it has enjoyed from the Office of the First Lady of Edo State.