Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs Edesili Anani, has revealed the readiness of the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration to tackle the menace of irregular migration among youths in the state.
Mrs Anani stated this on Friday in the Government House, Benin City, when Dr Alberto Cilala, a consultant to the European Union and president of Mattei Africa for Humanitarian Aids Initiative based in Italy, led a delegation to her office.
Welcoming the delegation, Mrs Anani highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing challenges posed by irregular migration.
She appreciated the delegation for the visit emphasising that the partnership would make transformative impact to Edo State.
“This initiative will reduce unemployment, create job opportunities and address human trafficking and irregular migration. It will also enhance education, skills acquisition, agricultural investment and infrastructural development for our people,” she said.
On his part, Dr Cilala emphasised that the Mattei Plan would provide valuable skills to Edo State residents, including tailoring, furniture-making and shoemaking.
He said, the Mattei Plan was launched by the Italian Government with a focus on key sectors including education and training, health, security, agriculture and renewable energy to promote integrated development and improve living conditions, particularly in rural areas.
“These projects will be fully funded by the Italian Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Labour,” he added.
In his remarks, former senior special assistant to the Edo State Government on Anti-Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration, Solomon Okoduwa, said the Mattei Plan prioritises practical measures to reduce irregular migration and human trafficking.
“Although nine African countries are involved in this initiative, Edo State is a crucial partner for Italy. This partnership will strengthen bilateral relations under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo,” he said.
Brand Ambassador of the Mattei Plan, Olorogun John Paul, popularly known as Daddy Showkey lauded the initiative saying, “this programme provides an opportunity for Edo State beneficiaries to gain training in various skills, equipping them for sustainable livelihoods.”
