US consular-general proffers solution to human trafficking

Using sports to tackle the rising cases of trafficking of young Edo girls and those from other Niger Delta states, to overseas was on the front burner recently in Benin, the Edo State capital.

At a ceremony organised by the United States Consulate General, Lagos and Fortem Inspire at Iyioba College, Benin, in partnership with the Edo State Ministry of Education and Edo State Sports Council, the United States Consular General, Claire Pierangelo, said that the topic for this year is prevention of human trafficking through sports.

Two American sports envoys, Staci Wilson and Joanna Lohman, former members of the U.S. Women’s National Team, alongside former Super Falcons goalkeeper, Precious Dede, engaged public school girls in the programme, which was devoted to the importance of employing sports in the development of leadership skills, promoting health and wellness, and encouraging academic success.

The Consular General said: “It is a programme we do all over the world. Every year, we choose several countries. This year, Nigeria is one of the countries chosen. We are very lucky to have two of our best known professional soccer players: Staci Wilson and Joanna Lohman. They want to bring the message of sports and respect and strength to grow to role models. We want to show them that it is possible. It is a global thing we do all around the world every year. We choose different topics. This year in Africa, the topic that we think is so critical for Nigeria is prevention of human trafficking.”

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The envoy noted that sports diplomacy is an integral part of of her country’s efforts to build stronger relations between the United States and Nigeria.

She commended the mentors and trainers for using their skills and expertise to contribute to the growth of Nigeria, adding that participation in sports teaches leadership, teamwork, and communication skills that help young people succeed in all areas of their lives.

According to the consular general, the sports ambassadors came to not only teach these girls football skills, but to also engage young women and girls on a very important topic – human trafficking.

She added: “The U.S. government is committed to combatting this form of modern slavery through the prosecution of traffickers, the protection of victims, and the prevention of human trafficking.

“The Nigerian government has made impressive efforts to combat human trafficking and illegal migration in Edo State and elsewhere. The United States commends both federal and state governments for what they have done and we encourage them.”

“Through programmes like this, girls can become aware of the dangers of trafficking and learn how to detect and prevent it, and better protect themselves.”

More importantly, Pierangelo remarked that “these girls must be encouraged to be confident and feel empowered to pursue their dreams by acquiring education, thereby making a better life for themselves and improving their communities.