Metro
Trafficking in persons is a grevious crime against humanity – Otti’s wife
Mrs Priscilla Otti, the wife of Abia governor, has described trafficking in persons as a grievious crime against humanity “which completely violates human rights law”.
Mrs Otti said this on Friday during a 1.5-km walk organised by the state government as part of activities lined up to commemorate the 2023 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, with the theme “Reach every victim of Trafficking, Leave no one behind”, in Umuahia.
The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, is an annual event that holds on July 30 to raise awareness and strengthen the campaign on the need to stop trafficking in persons.
The governor’s wife, who was represented by Mrs Chinyere Onyeukwu, said that trafficking in persons poses a serious threat to safety, security, live and rule of law in the society.
“We will deploy every resource at our disposal to intensify the fight against trafficking in persons in Abia.
“We have embarked on a serious campaign to show that trafficking in persons will not be tolerated in Abia,” Otti said.
In her speech, Mr Blessing Felix, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Reduction, said that trafficking in persons could be best described as an affront to humanity.
Felix said that “it is our collective responsibility to raise our voices and take action against this great injustice”.
The Abia Director of National Orientation Agency, Mrs Regina Iroha, said that public education was a good starting point in the move to stop all forms of trafficking in persons.
Iroha called on the relevant agencies to take the campaign to the local communities, adding that most victims of trafficking were people living in the rural areas.
In a remark, Mrs Ifeoma Thomas, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Vulnerable Groups and Poverty Reduction, said that the fight against trafficking in persons must be won at all cost.
Thomas said that collaborative effort between the government and members of the society would greatly increase the successes recorded in the fight against trafficking in persons.
She urged the people of Abia not to hesitate to report any case of trafficking in persons around their neighborhood, adding that appropriate actions would be taken.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Communication, Mr Dodo Okafor, said that trafficking in persons remains a serious social ill and that all hands must be on deck to eradicate the ill to save the vulnerable from falling victim.
Okafor urged the people of Abia to align with the programmes and policies of government focused on eradicating trafficking in persons in Abia.
Also, Mr Max Anokwuru, the Public Relations Officer of A and O Caritas Foundation, an NGO, expressed the readiness of the organisation to partner with the government in eradicating trafficking in persons in the state.
Anokwuru urged the people of Abia to join in the campaign against trafficking in persons, in order to bring the menace to a conclusive end in the state.
The operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other emergency responders at early hour on Saturday combated an industrial fire outbreak at Mega Plastics Company at No.4, Ilupeju Bypass.
Mr Taofiq Adebayo, the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, made the disclosure in a statement in Lagos on Saturday.
Adebayo stated that the industrial fire outbreak took place at Mega Plastics Company at No.4, Ilupeju Bypass beside Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Ilupeju area of Lagos.
“The Traffic Officer of LASTMA, Mr Ayo Olaosebikan (Falcon) of Zone 21, confirmed that LASTMA rescue team arrived at the scene of the industrial fire outbreak around at 6:30a.m. before other emergency responders were contacted by LASTMA.
“Immediately we arrived at the scene of the industrial fire, we quickly informed other emergency responders particularly the Lagos State Fire, Rescue Services and the Nigerian Police.
“The causes of industrial fire could not be immediately ascertained, he said.
Olaosebikan noted that preliminary investigation revealed that the storage and factory section of the petrochemical company were seriously affected by the fire outbreak.
According to him, emergency responders on ground include Federal and State Fire Services, policemen and LASTMA Response Unit.
Olaosebikan said that neither injury nor death had been recorded.
GDG Wellness Initiative, an NGO, on Saturday offered free medical services to no fewer than 400 indigent persons in Gyel community, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau.
Mr Gyang Dung-Gyang, founder of the initiative told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the exercise was his little way of giving back to the society that made him.
He said that he was spurred by the plight of the people and the urgent need to reach out to them, in view of the current economic realities and its implications on their health.
Dung-Gyang said that he had been organising such outreaches annually, adding that the current hardship occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy had made this year’s outing unique.
“It’s my heart desire and passion to reach out to the vulnerable and the needy in the society.
“And it’s not just this, we have been able to give scholarship to some students, with some already graduates.
“Today, we have planned to treat a minimum of 400 persons but from the way it is going, it may exceed that number,” he stated.
The outreach Team Lead, Mr Pam Chong, listed some of the medical services to include testing and treatment of patients for aliments such as malaria, hepatitis B & C, high blood pressure, diabetes among others.
Chong, a pharmacist, told NAN that the medical team comprised of doctors, nurses, lab scientists and pharmacists.
He said cases that they were unable to handle would be referred to hospitals that could handle them.
The team lead said that they have sufficient drugs to treat over 400 patients.
Mr Ishaya Pam, Vice President, Gyel Development Association of Jos South LGA, lauded GDG Wellness for the gesture, which he believed would improve the health and wellbeing of the people.
Pam prayed God to bless the organisers of the outreach to continue to impact the lives of the less privileged.
NEDC distributes palliatives to people with disability in Borno
Customs boss charges 81 cadets on integrity, professionalism in conduct
Tribunal upholds Gov. Alia’s election
LASTMA, others combat Ilupeju industrial fire outbreak
Military uncovers gun factory, recovers weapons in Southern Kaduna
NGO takes free medical outreach to Plateau community
Bursary: Lagos students hail Sanwo-Olu
UNGA 78: Tinubu departs New York after first outing
Britain, Nigeria’s past, future deeply intertwined, says Envoy
Remi Tinubu, a rare gift to Nigeria, says lawmaker
Company deepens gas penetration, unveils 300 metric tonnes depot in Benin
Political office holders not overpaid, says RMAFC chief
FG to construct Super Highways on Abuja-Lagos, Port Harcourt-Lagos
Alleged palliative diversion: Police urge Nigerians to ignore video
Lagos State agency adds 4 names on sex offenders register
Bandits kill 2, kidnap 3 in Kaduna
Forum blames hoodlums for grid collapse
Planned indefinite strike: Again, FG invites NLC
Police arrest 36-year old man for allegedly raping neighbour’s wife
UNFPA sensitises PWDs in Borno on GBV, reproductive health
-
Headline6 days agoCompany deepens gas penetration, unveils 300 metric tonnes depot in Benin
-
Headline6 days agoPolitical office holders not overpaid, says RMAFC chief
-
Headline5 days agoFG to construct Super Highways on Abuja-Lagos, Port Harcourt-Lagos
-
Headline5 days agoAlleged palliative diversion: Police urge Nigerians to ignore video
-
Metro1 day agoLagos State agency adds 4 names on sex offenders register
-
Headline6 days agoBandits kill 2, kidnap 3 in Kaduna
-
Headline1 day agoForum blames hoodlums for grid collapse