By Anne Azuka
The Delta State Government has announced a partnership with Junior Achievers of Nigeria to support and empower survivors of human trafficking within the state.
Miss Orode Uduaghan, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Services, and Girl Child Development, disclosed this on Thursday in Asaba, the state capital, during a briefing with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Asaba Correspondents’ Chapel. She outlined her ministry’s programs and policies for the new year.
Miss Uduaghan revealed plans to collaborate with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to train senior secondary school students (SS1, SS2, and SS3) on strategies to prevent trafficking and identify the deceptive tactics traffickers often use to lure their victims.
According to her, “This organization is coming to Delta State to partner with secondary schools to teach girls in SS2 and SS3 entrepreneurial skills. His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, recently approved this initiative, which will be implemented across all 25 local government areas of the state.”
Initiatives for Girl-Child Development
On girl-child development, the Commissioner announced that the state government had approved a digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and business management program targeting girls aged 18 to 35 across all 25 local government areas. The program aims to equip participants with skills for self-sustainability.
Miss Uduaghan highlighted last year’s achievements, noting that in collaboration with the Entrepreneurship Development Center, the ministry empowered 250 individuals from each local government area. Out of these, 1,700 exceptional participants received grants of ₦150,000 each to establish their businesses.
Support for Vulnerable Groups
Under the M.O.R.E Grant Scheme, which focuses on assisting business owners from poor and vulnerable households, the ministry provided between ₦70,000 and ₦100,000 to 1,600 petty traders to boost their businesses.
Additionally, 1,826 artisans engaged in various professions, including bicycle and refrigerator repair, received support through the scheme. “We covered about 30 professions. His Excellency, Governor Oborevwori, supported 1,826 artisans,” she said.
Media’s Role in Development
Earlier, the Chairman of the NUJ Asaba Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Ifeanyi Olannye, commended the ministry for its efforts in aiding vulnerable households, especially during challenging economic times. He reiterated the role of journalists as societal watchdogs tasked with holding the government accountable.
Comrade Olannye also assured the ministry of the union’s support in promoting the developmental agenda of the Delta State Government.
