Edo State First Lady, Mrs Edesili Okpebholo, has said that creating awareness among young people is vital to ending human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and drug abuse in the state.
She said this during the launch of an awareness campaign organised by the Mariam Ashley Yusuf Foundation in partnership with the Edo State Ministry of Education at the John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy in Benin City.
In a statement released by the foundation on Sunday, Mrs Okpebholo stressed that prevention must begin with awareness, especially in schools.
“Human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and substance abuse are real threats to the future of the Edo child. Prevention begins with awareness, and that awareness must start in schools. We must arm our children with values and knowledge to make better choices,” she said.
The event drew students, teachers, parents, corps members, and representatives from the Edo State Migration Agency, NAPTIP, NDLEA, the Nigeria Police, and the International Organisation for Migration.
Mrs Okpebholo said the initiative supports the state government’s efforts to protect children from exploitation while promoting moral and academic development.
The Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, said the campaign was part of ongoing reforms to build character and discipline among students.
“Education should focus not only on academic achievement but also on shaping responsible citizens,” he said.
The founder of the foundation, Miss Ashley Mariam, said the campaign aimed to strengthen prevention and rehabilitation measures for victims of trafficking and drug abuse. She also unveiled her book titled *Stolen Dream*, which tells the story of a trafficking victim.
Edo State remains one of Nigeria’s major source areas for human trafficking. Data from NAPTIP in 2023 showed that many victims rescued abroad were from Edo and Delta states, often deceived by false promises of jobs or travel opportunities.
A 2021 UNODC report also listed Edo among the top three states in Nigeria most affected by human trafficking.
