As the World commemorates “The International Day for the Remembrance of Slave Trade and its Abolition”, the Akwa Ibom State Government, has risen against all forms of modern-day slave trade and slavery.
The state government observed that modern day slave trade and slavery has re manifested in nefarious activities and acts such as: Human trafficking, Child Labour, Gender-Based Violence, Racism, Stigmatization, among others adding such incident will continue to receive stiff resistance from Akwa Ibom State as the government is committed to fighting all forms of slavery in the State.
It therefore charged Agencies such as the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, NAPTIP and other regulatory bodies to be empowered through enabling Laws and Legislations by government to fight these unwholesome acts reminiscent of tragic Slave trade and Slavery of the 19th century.
Speaking on a radio programme in Uyo on Friday to mark International Day for the remembrance of slave trade and its abolition, the state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh reflected on the painful history of the slave trade, describing it as, “man’s inhumanity to man”.
Udoh stated that the relics of Slave trade and slavery are staring Africans and Nigerians in the face, especially in some coastal areas in Akwa Ibom such as Ikot Abasi, Uta Ewa, Nwaniba and Ifiayong, which were major routes for slave trading.
The Commissioner emphasized importance of learning from the past and working towards eradicating all forms of modern-day Slavery and advocated for the promoting of equality, human dignity and inclusivity in all our dealings.
He said as a measure towards honouring the Day – August 23, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has 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 riverbed, is a poignant reminder of the ravaged slave trade in Akwa Ibom State”.
The Tourism Commissioner, therefore expressed gratitude to the National Association of Akwa Ibom USA Inc. (NAAKIBOM) and the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno for preserving the Slave Boat and promoting tourism in the State.