By Lucky Isibor,
The Consul General of the United States of America, Claire Pierangelo of the US Consulate in Nigeria.has commended the Edo State government in it’s effort at combating human trafficking in the state and encouraged them to do more.
The Consul General stated this in her remarks while declaring open a football coaching clinic organized by Fortem Inspire in collaboration with the US Consulate, Lagos.
She noted that sports diplomacy is an integral part of her country’s diplomacy to build stronger relationship with Nigeria assuring that the trainers will also engage participants on the dangers of human trafficking.
While noting that stemming human trafficking must be a shared responsibility between the government and the people, Pierangelo sued for encouragement to young girls and women to be confident and feel empowered to pursue their dreams.
“And our envoys are here to not only teach these girls football skills, but also to engage young women and girls on a very important topic – human trafficking.
“The U.S. Government is committed to combating this form of modern slavery through the prosecution of traffickers, the protection of victims, and the prevention of human trafficking.
“The Nigerian government has made impressive efforts to combat trafficking and illegal migration in Edo State and elsewhere. The United States commends both Federal and State Governments for what they have done and we encourage them to do more.
“Sports Diplomacy is an integral part of our efforts to build even stronger relations between the United States and Nigeria.
“Sports diplomacy uses the universal passion for sports as a way to transcend differences and bring people together. Participation in sports teaches leadership, teamwork, and communication skills that help young people succeed in all areas of their lives”, she said.
The Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe told the participants who were drawn from various secondary schools in Benin City to put in their best in whatever they are doing assuring them that “you can be what you want to be; there is nobody that cannot be like us or do better”.
There were motivational speeches from Joanna Lohman, US Sports diplomat and professional footballer for twelve years, Staci Wilson, also a professional footballer who represented the US in the 1996 Olympic games football event and won a medal; and Precious Dede, the former goalkeeper of Nigeria’s Super Falcons.
