Akwa Ibom kicks against modern day slavery

As the world commemorates “International Day for the Remembrance of Slave Trade and its Abolition”, the Akwa Ibom State Governmen, has spoken in strong terms against all forms of modern day slave trade and slavery.

According to the state government, modern day slave trade and slavery, which now manifest in nefarious activities and acts such as human trafficking, child Labour, gender-based violence, racism, stigmatisation, among others, will continue to receive stiff resistance in Akwa Ibom State as government is committed to fighting all forms of slavery in the state.

To this end, agencies such as the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), NAPTIP and other regulatory bodies, the state said, had been empowered through enabling laws and legislations by government to fight the unwholesome acts, which are constant reminders of the tragic slave trade and slavery of the 19th century.

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh, made these known, on Friday, in Uyo, while appearing on Inspiration Radio 105.9FM, as guest on Update Akwa Ibom, to discuss the significance of the “International Day for the Remembrance of Slave Trade and its Abolition”.

Udoh, reflected on the painful history of the slave trade, describing it as, “man’s inhumanity to man” and acknowledged that the relics of Slave trade and slavery are staring us in the face, at some coastal areas like, Ikot Abasi, Uta Ewa, Nwaniba and Ifiayong, which were major slave trade routes.

The commissioner emphasised the importance of learning from the past and working towards eradicating all forms of modern day slavery and advocated equality, human dignity and inclusivity in all our dealings.

He said to mark the day, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism had put in place plan of events, including the “unveiling of a restored Slave Boat” at the Marina Beach in Nwaniba.

“The boat, salvaged from the river bed, is a poignant reminder of the ravaged slave trade in Akwa Ibom State”, Sir Udoh emphasised.

The tourism commissioner expressed gratitude to the National Association of Akwa Ibom USA Inc. (NAAKIBOM) and Governor Umo Eno for preserving the Slave Boat and promoting tourism in the state.