By Juliet Oyoyo
The Taraba state government has disclosed that the state has officially signed into law the Counter Trafficking In Persons Bill, with immediate effect.
Also disclosed, is a Commission to Oversee the Implementation of the law which will be constituted without delay.
The governor of Taraba state, Dr Agbu Kefas who made this disclosure, stated that human trafficking is not just a crime but a grave violation of human rights
“It exploits the vulnerable, preys on our most at-risk populations, and exacerbates the challenges already faced by communities grappling with poverty, displacement, and insecurity. Governor Kefas said.
The governor stated this during the Official Closeout of the USAID Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement Legacy Summit held in Abuja
According to Governor Kefas, “In Taraba state, the humanitarian situation has grown increasingly complex. With a substantial population of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and thousands of out-of-school children, our people are more exposed to the risks of trafficking than ever before.
The governor who was represented by the Hon. Speaker, of Taraba State House of Assembly, during his speech, stated that he recognized the dire situation and has taken deliberate action through his policy on free and compulsory education.
Advertisement
“This policy is not just about giving our children access to learning but about safeguarding their future and protecting them from traffickers who prey on their vulnerability.
Education, as we all know, is a powerful weapon against exploitation. When children are in school, their chances of being lured into dangerous situations decrease significantly. The governor stated.
In the governor’s speech, he stated that Taraba state has been at the forefront of the fight against Human trafficking.
“The state government has remained steadfast in implementing policies aimed at curbing the menace. However, we understand that policies alone are not enough.
At the event which was the official dissemination event of the USAID Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) activity, themed “SCALE Legacy Summit: Celebrating our Impact, Opening New Doors,” it was revealed that SCALE has made a significant impact, and turning challenges of Nigerians into opportunities
The four-year $33 million SCALE activity implemented by Palladium has significantly enhanced the organizational and advocacy capacities of local civil society organizations (CSOs) and business membership organizations (BMOs) across Nigeria, fostering a more effective, transparent, and democratic society.
With strategic footprints in 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory, SCALE has forged impactful partnerships with a diverse array of stakeholders, transforming Nigeria’s civil society landscape.
The achievements of SCALE will continue to inspire and guide future initiatives aimed at strengthening civil society and fostering sustainable development across the nation
Present at the event were CSOs, the Executive Governor of Taraba State, (Represented), the Deputy Governor of Benue State, (Represented), the Chairman House Committee on CSO and Development matters, State Commissioners from Bauchi, Ebonyi, Imo, and Nasarawa states, and the USAID Mission Director, Melissa A. Jones.
