In a bold move to curb the growing menace of human trafficking in Ondo State, wife of the governor of Ondo State, Mrs. Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, has declared an unwavering commitment to ending the scourge. Her determination was made clear during a strategic visit to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) headquarters in Akure, where she met with the Ondo State Comptroller of Immigration, Mrs. Felicia Anara.
The high-level meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the state government and the immigration command to enhance border security, raise public awareness, and boost intelligence-sharing—key strategies in the fight against trafficking.
Describing human trafficking as a grave threat to the future of the state’s youth, Mrs. Aiyedatiwa stressed the need for proactive and united efforts. “We must not remain passive. Community sensitization, strict enforcement of immigration laws, and cross-agency collaboration are vital to protect our most vulnerable citizens,” she said.
In addition to addressing trafficking, Mrs. Aiyedatiwa highlighted the critical role of women in governance, urging governments at all levels to appoint more women to leadership positions. She noted that empowering women is a powerful tool in tackling the root causes of trafficking, as women often drive policy changes that support family values and safeguard marginalized groups.
Comptroller Anara welcomed the First Lady’s initiative, expressing the command’s full support. She emphasized that the immigration service would intensify surveillance and enforcement operations to dismantle trafficking networks across the state.
The meeting, which included other senior immigration officials, marks the beginning of a more coordinated and aggressive stance against human trafficking in Ondo State. With stronger partnerships and renewed political will, the state is poised to take meaningful steps to protect its citizens from exploitation and abuse.
