Connect with us

News

Human Trafficking: AFJN-N Organises Seminar Against Menace

Published

on

Cross Section of Participants at the seminar


With a view to supporting the government in curbing the rising menace of human trafficking in Nigeria particularly in Edo State, Africa Faith and Justice Network Nigeria (AFJN-N), yesterday, organised advocacy seminar against human trafficking in Benin City.

AFJN-N is a fellowship of Rev. Fr. and Sisters drawn from the Catholic Church around the world.

Speaking at the event, Rev. Fr. Aniedi Okure, Executive Director, AFJN-N said the programme was organised going by the rising rate of trafficking in persons and the consequent torture victims are exposed to, saying AFJN-N can no longer keep quiet with the touture persons trafficked particularly to abroad face.

The programme with the theme, ‘Solidarity Against Trafficking in Person’, AFJN-N challenged Nigerians to cry out against human trafficking in unison, describing the body as vanguard for voice of the voiceless.

Advertisement

While lamenting bottle neck faced in gaining access to Nigerian polical leaders in order to discuss way forward in combating human trafficking menace, the fellowship noted that there was need for leaders and followers to sit in round table in order to curb human trafficking.

AFJN-N urged the political class in Nigeria to discharge their responsibilities deligently, saying bad governance by our leaders make people to subject themselves for trafficking, adding that though that’s not enough reason.

“It is through things are bad in this country, the economy is not at its best, there is unemployment and other forms of bad governance going on in the country, but that is not sufficient reasons to subject our brothers, sisters, children to inhumane treatment abroad.

Advertisement

“So my advice is let’s be patient rather than traveling out of the country. We can change home to be a better place. The fact is that Nigeria is not a poor country. The problem is management of the resources God has given to us.

“Do you know that way back then Nigeria was even giving foreign aide to Thailand. But here we are now. Go to Highland and see what its looks like compare to Nigeria.

“You know Nigeria taught Malaysia how to produce palm oil but now they are far away ahead of us. So, it is not we don’t have capacity of the capability, we do”, Rev Fr. added.

Advertisement

Also speaking at the seminar, Professor Mrs. Yinka Omoregbe, Edo State Anthony General, said the state government has put in place machinery in tackling human trafficking, stressing that this is being done in collaboration with stakeholders such as AFJN-N.

She stated that the law of the land is against selling and buying of human in any form of disguise it may be carried out eithe by internationally or locally.

She urged Nigerians particularly Edo people to report any body being forced to relocate against his or her consent to report to the ministry.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Comments

News

YULETIDE: Edo Sports Commission Boss Preaches Unity, Peace

Published

on

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has extended warm Christmas greetings to athletes, coaches, sports administrators, journalists, and the people of Edo State, urging them to uphold the enduring values of love, peace, and unity that define the festive season.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Hon. Enabulele described Christmas as a period of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to collective progress and shared responsibility.

“I sincerely appreciate all stakeholders in the sports sector for their cooperation, resilience, and unwavering support throughout the year. Your contributions have been instrumental to the growth and success of sports in Edo State,” he said.

Advertisement

READ ALSO:Edo SWAN Distances Self From Online Publication Against Enabulele

He further commended Edo athletes for their dedication and discipline, noting that their consistent performances have continued to bring pride and recognition to the state at both national and international levels.

According to him, the Commission remains committed to athletes’ welfare, grassroots sports development, and the creation of opportunities that will enable talents to flourish.

Advertisement

Enabulele also called on residents of the state to celebrate responsibly and show compassion to one another, particularly the less privileged, emphasizing that unity and peaceful coexistence are vital for sustainable development.

READ ALSO:How Enabulele Is Driving Okpebholo’s Agenda In Edo Sports Commission

He reaffirmed the Edo State Sports Commission’s resolve to strengthen collaboration with partners and stakeholders in the coming year, with increased focus on excellence, transparency, and inclusive sports development.

Advertisement

The Sports Commission boss concluded by wishing everyone a joyous Christmas celebration and a prosperous New Year filled with hope, good health, and greater achievements.

Continue Reading

News

MOWAA: Okpehbolo Receives Edo Assembly Resolution Indicting Obaseki

Published

on

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, received report and resolutions of the Edo State House of Assembly which indicted former Governor Godwin Obaseki on the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) and the Radisson Hotel projects.

Recall that the Edo Assembly raised a five-man committee to investigate funding and ownership of both projects following a request by Governor Okpebholo.

Okpebholo, who spoke after receiving the report said its findings and recommendations would be fully implemented.

Advertisement

Okpebholo said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would be invited to further examine issues raised in the recommendations.

READ ALSO:MOWAA: Why I Will Not Appear Before Edo Assembly Panel — Obaseki

According to him, the Edo State Government has significant stakes in the MOWAA and Radisson Blu hotel having invested ₦3.8bn respectively in both projects.

Advertisement

He said changes in the structure and nomenclature of the MOWAA project made the investigation unavoidable.

Okpebholo said it was unacceptable to suggest Edo State has only 10 per cent stake in the Radisson Blu hotem despite investing over ₦28bn.

Edo State has spent over ₦3.8 billion on this project, yet some people are saying the state has no stake in it. That is totally unacceptable. I will work with your recommendations and forward them to the relevant authorities to investigate what truly happened. We will also involve the EFCC.

Advertisement

READ ALSO:MOWAA Controversy: Edo Assembly Threatens Arrest Warrant On Obaseki, Others

“Our investment in this project is over ₦28 billion. We must invite the EFCC to step in and determine if this is how businesses are conducted in Nigeria,” he said.

In its recommendations passed by the Assembly, the five-man committee headed by Hon Addeh Isibor, urged the Edo State Government to take possession of both projects.

Advertisement

It asked Governor Okpebholo to contract competent hands to complete renovation of the Hotel and take all steps to put the Hotel to use.

The recommendations urged the Edo State Government to revoke “the fraudulent Certificate of Occupancy to the property issued in the name of Hospitality Investment and Management Company Limited and revert same to the Edo State Government that purchased the property.

READ ALSO:Edo Assembly Charges Contractor Handling Ekekhuan Road To Accelerate Work

Advertisement

“That the Edo State Government initiate legal action and work with relevant Anti-graft Agencies to retrieve both the complete statement of account and the balance of the Seventeen Billion, Five Hundred Million Naira (N17,500,000,000.00) Bond proceeds still in the possession of the Escrow Agents. Meristen Trustees Limited and Emerging Africa Trustees Limited.

“The title to the MOWAA Property having never been revoked, same remains the property of the Central Hospital, Benin City

“That the Edo State Government immediately takes all necessary step to put the property to good use in the best and overriding public interest of the people of Edo State.”

Advertisement

Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, said the facts about MOWAA and Radisson Blu Hotel were now clearly documented in resolutions and outcomes.

Continue Reading

News

Sheikh Gummi Sues Two Over Alleged False Facebook Publication

Published

on

Prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gummi, has approached the Chief Magistrate Court in Kaduna, seeking the issuance of a criminal direct complainant summons against two Facebook users over alleged criminal conspiracy, attempt to cause public disturbance and criminal defamation.

The application, filed at the Chief Magistrate Court sitting on Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Kaduna, listed the defendants as George Udom and Bello Isiaka.

According to him, the defendants allegedly published a “Breaking News” statement on their respective Facebook pages on December 23, 2025, between 7:00 am and 10:00 am, attributed to him, threatening that the family of the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, would be eliminated if military operations against bandits were not stopped.

Advertisement

Gummi alleged that the publication was falsely attributed to him, as his photograph was allegedly used alongside the statement, giving the impression that he issued the threat against the Defence Minister.

READ ALSO:Nigeria Army Alone Cannot Defeat Bandits — Sheikh Gumi

The Islamic scholar stated that following the publication, he received numerous phone calls from concerned members of the public who believed he authored the statement and was attempting to intimidate the Minister of Defence in the discharge of his official duties.

Advertisement

He further maintained that the publication portrayed him as a troublemaker and a threat to public peace, despite his long-standing reputation as a cleric known for preaching peace and harmony within and outside Nigeria.

The complainant argued that the alleged publication was capable of inciting public disorder in Kaduna State, particularly Southern Kaduna, and could expose him to danger by presenting him as a prime suspect in the event of any attack on the Defence Minister’s family.

READ ALSO:Insecurity: What Sheikh Gumi Told Me After Visiting Bandits Hideouts — Obasanjo

Advertisement

He also contended that the actions of the defendants amounted to an attempt to cause public disturbance and criminal defamation of his character.

Dr Gummi told the court that the alleged acts contravened Sections 59, 57, 372, 116 and 117 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017.

The application, dated December 24, 2025, was filed by a team of lawyers led by Suleiman Danlami Lere, with the complainant urging the court to summon the defendants to answer to the allegations.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending