Plateau Commissioner Ephraim calls for advocacy to fight child trafficking
From Tongnaan Bawa, Jos
Plateau state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ephraim Usman, has lamented the high rate of child trafficking in the state by calling for effective advocacy.
Usman was speaking when he hosted the executive members of StandUP for women society, SWS Plateau State chapter in his office on Thursday in Jos.
He urged the Women to collaborate with the Commissioner for women Affairs and Social Development to strongly advocate against child trafficking which is becoming an embrassement to the image of Plateau state,on how they are being picked by the authorities of NAPTIP in some parts of Nigeria and beyond.
“Synegies to fight this issue of trafficking of children and mostly women who travel even out of the state and shore of and country for the purpose of hustling, and end up endangering their lives”. He lamented.
“This issue of trafficking is creating a bad image for the state, the mothers of these children needs to be enlightened and educated on the dangers of sending their children out in the name of greener pastures”
He commended SWS for the roles they are playing to improve the lives of in all ramifications women in the state, most especially the less privileged. Adding that he loves helping the down trodden in the society.
” I have a calling in supporting the orphans and widows,and I enjoy doing that humanitarian service”.
Usman expressed happiness that Governor Caleb Mutfwang is one that is willing to all for the progress and development of the state, and support women,as they are the back bone of the society.
He however assured SWS of support and good working relationship and also appreciated them for having the Vice president in North Central from the state as an added advantage.
Earlier, the state chairperson of StandUP for women society, Grace Gora, informed the Commissioner of the activities of the association, as advocacy, fighting for the rights of women and children, the down trodden and empowerment of women.
She said working with other organisations for the purpose of peace building, recognition of those that have been so supportive in the society by positively impacting in the lives others.
Gora added that the issue of child trafficking was one of the topmost priority, hence, a paper presentation on the Dangers of trafficking of children and women in the society.
The Vice President North Central zone D, Ladi Emmanuel, appreciated the Commissioner and Governor Caleb Mutfwang, for including women in his cabinet and finding them worthy to occupy good offices in the state.
She said partnership with SWS in the state stands more chance of boosting and promoting the development of the state and solicited for support to enable the women attend their forth coming national conference.
Our correspondent reports that the Commissioner was decorated with the organisation’s Sach as one of patrons of SWS in the state by the State chairperson Grace Gora and VP North Central Zone, Ladi Emmanuel.
