His Royal Majesty, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin has offered the sum of twenty thousand naira to each of the 78 Libya returnees who paid him a courtesy visit in his Palace in Benin City on Wednesday.
The financial assistance which will be for three months is for their upkeep and to enable them settle down without much difficulties.
The Oba said Ewuare II Foundation would support them to establish a trade that they have learnt, especially since they returned from Libya.
His Royal Majesty condemned the act of travelling illegally through the Desert and across the Mediterranean Sea to Europe, pointing out that it has brought disrepute to the state.
The Benin Monarch advised those who wish to travel abroad to endeavour to use the legitimate means, as the Palace was not against people travelling, but will not support illegal migration and human trafficking, which are used to subject the people to modern day slavery.
The Omo N’Oba assured them that the Palace would appeal to Edo State Government to support them in skill acquisition and trade, but advised them to be patient realising that it was not the State Government that sent them on illegal journey.
Oba Ewuare II condemned the craze for quick wealth among youths, which he said was responsible for increasing rate of human trafficking and other crimes in the society.
He advised the Libya returnees to channel their youthful energies into meaningful ventures like agriculture, art and craft, tourism and hospitality, event management, interior and exterior decoration among others, instead of selling their belongings and borrowing money to embark on a journey that will endanger their lives, enslave them and subject them to more poverty and indebtedness.
Oba Ewuare, however thank God and the Ancestors for their safe return home, and called on them to educate their parents, relations and friends about the danger inherent in illegal migration and human trafficking.
The Royal Father admonished them to always do things that will uplift the Kingdom and assured them of Palace support at all times.
Earlier, the spokesperson for the Edo State Libya returnees, Mr. Osariemen Amawu said they were in the Palace to thank the Omo N’Oba for his support and prayers which they said was responsible for their safe arrival.
He informed the Oba that since they arrived, Edo State Government has taken them through various skills acquisition training and appealed to His Royal Majesty to intervene so that Edo State Government would keep to its promise of giving them financial support to start their trade.
Mr. Amawu stated that the financial assistance would enable them to settle down and have source of livelihood.
