Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Wife of Ebonyi State Governor, Mrs Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru, has warned parents against sending their children outside the state for any form of labour.
The First Lady who noted that the practice was an offence under the law, warned that her office would work with relevant agencies to clampdown on offenders.
The First Lady gave this warning in Abakaliki during a walk organised by the State Government in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) as part of activities lined up to commemorate the 2023 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Reach every victim of Trafficking, Leave no one behind.”
Mrs Nwifuru, who noted that poverty and greed were the major causes of child trafficking, urged the parents to take advantage of the Governor Nwifuru’s free primary and secondary education to send their children to school.
She said this would enable the children achieve their dreams and hopes, adding that they have a right to live a life free from fear and exploitation.
Mrs Nwifuru expressed joy that Ebonyians had joined her avowed determination to end child trafficking, child Marriage and other forms of child abuse.
She expressed her resolve to end organ trafficking, maltreatment and molestation of the child and other forms of exploitation.
“Our children are being used for all forms of outrageous activities that can endanger their lives, and because they are far from home they have nobody to report to,” she said.
In their separate remarks, Sam Offia, the South-East Zonal Commander of NAPTIP; and Mrs Bertha Offor the Ebonyi State Commander, NAPTIP, appreciated Mrs Nwifuru and the good people of Ebonyi State for their massive support to the fight against human trafficking.
They pledged their unalloyed support to the State Government in the fight against all forms of human trafficking and Child Abuse.
