The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Anani has expressed the readiness of Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration to tackle the menace of irregular migration among youths in the State.
Mrs Anani, who stated this on Friday, January 24, 2025, when Dr. Alberto Cilala, a consultant to the European Union and President of Mattei Africa for Humanitarian Aids Initiative in Italy, led a delegation to her office in Government House, Benin City, stressed the importance of collaboration, aimed at addressing challenges posed by irregular migration.
Anani expressed her gratitude to the delegation, and emphasized the transformative impact the partnership will bring 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.
Speaking in turn, Dr. Cilala emphasized that the Mattei Plan would provide valuable skills to Edo State residents, including tailoring, furniture-making, shoemaking, and more.
According to him; “The Mattei Plan was launched by the Italian Government with a focus on six key sectors: education and training, health, security, agriculture, and renewable energy. The goal is 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”.
In his own remarks, the former Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Government on Anti-Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration, Solomon Okoduwa, said the Mattei Plan prioritizes practical measures to reduce irregular migration and human trafficking.
He said; “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 His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo”.
Also speaking, Olorogun John Paul, popularly known as Daddy Showkey and Brand Ambassador of the Mattei Plan, lauded the initiative, saying that the programme provides an opportunity for Edo State beneficiaries to gain training in various skills, and equipping them for sustainable livelihoods.
