The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commended the German Government for their role in tackling human trafficking and illegal migration in the State, noting that their support and partnership contributed immensely to the success recorded in nipping the scourge in the bud.

Obaseki said this while receiving a German delegation from the Ministry of Economic Cooperation led by the Head of Cooperation at the German Embassy in Nigeria, Susan Schroeder, who were on a courtesy visit at the Government House, Benin City.

The governor, who called for improved partnership, said his administration has put in place programmes to discourage youths from illegal migration and redirect their energies to other productive endeavors.

He noted that some of the programmes and training for the youths have been successful and productive, adding that what is now needed is creating local and international markets for their services.

Obaseki stated: "We are happy and excited to have the German Government and its agencies here with us here today because you are special as you collaborated with us in 2017, coming up with concrete programmes to help us combat human trafficking in the State.

“Our success in this regard has been made possible with your support. We also need your support in this area of policy direction wherever we want to go next.

“With the program put in place, we have been able to change the mindset of our people who are no longer interested in risking their lives to travel anymore because they have seen opportunities here. We have implemented our programmes practically as our youths can now choose a career path.

“We have to build the future, train our people, and build the market both internationally and locally as we have taken advantage of the bilateral relationship with the German government. We have young men and women who can provide technology services to Germany from here in Edo State.”

The governor added, “Our relationship is not narrow but all-encompassing, starting from culture, and technology services. One of the things we took away when we came to visit Germany is how your educational system works, supporting job creation. This is one of the things we are doing with our own education system in Edo State.”

Earlier, the leader of the delegation said the visit is “to see what they are implementing and explore further areas of cooperation with the State Government and have had a fruitful exchange on developments in Edo State.”

She commended the governor for his strides, especially in the area of digitization and economic development.