Ondo State Government Vows to Tackle Lodging of Underage Girls, Partners with Immigration Service
By Exponent News Akure, 8th April,2025
The Ondo State Government has pledged to take decisive action against the lodging of underage girls in hotels and other unlawful activities involving minors. Governor Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa expressed his administration’s determination to curb such practices, which he described as harmful and unacceptable. The commitment was reiterated by Dr. Seun Osamaye, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, during a recent courtesy visit by the newly appointed Ondo State Comptroller of Immigration Service, CIS Felicia Amaka Anara.
Dr. Osamaye emphasized that the practice of lodging underage girls in hotels, as well as the loitering and hawking of minors during school hours, will not be tolerated. She stressed that such actions violate the rights of young girls and undermine their well-being. In her remarks, she welcomed the Comptroller’s visit and commended her for making time in her busy schedule to engage with the Ministry of Women Affairs.
In a joint effort to combat child labour, human trafficking, and the challenge of out-of-school children, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Ministry of Women Affairs have agreed to collaborate closely on awareness campaigns and sensitization programs for all relevant stakeholders. Dr. Osamaye highlighted the importance of informing the public about the rules and regulations surrounding these issues, ensuring that offenders cannot plead ignorance when caught.
CIS Anara, speaking on the purpose of her visit, noted that it was prompted by reports from NIS officers who had observed underage girls being lodged in hotels during their routine inspections. She expressed her intention to work with the Ministry to address the issue and reduce the occurrence of this vice. In addition, she appealed for the Ministry’s support in establishing a creche at the NIS office to promote exclusive breastfeeding among nursing mothers, in line with government policy.
The Immigration Service also praised the Ondo State Government for its focus on improving the welfare of women, citing the impactful programs initiated by the Ministry of Women Affairs. CIS Anara also spoke about ongoing reforms within the NIS, underscoring the agency’s commitment to supporting broader humanitarian efforts.
Dr. Osamaye, in turn, reiterated the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with the NIS to ensure the successful implementation of these initiatives. She added that the “EASE” agenda under the current administration promotes inclusivity and protects vulnerable groups, aligning with efforts to safeguard the rights of women and children in Ondo State.
The meeting concluded with a tour of the Ministry’s acquisition centre, where members of the NIS Comptroller’s team had the opportunity to view the training rooms.
