PROSTITUTION: BENIN MONARCH SEEKS FOREIGN SUPPORT

The Oba of Benin, Omo N'oba Erediauwa, has appealed to western countries to assist in boosting the economies of developing nations in order to check prostitution and trafficking in persons.

The News Agency of Nigeria quoted the traditional ruler as making the appeal in Benin, on Tuesday, when the Deputy Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Svante Edquist, paid him a courtesy call.

Erediauwa identified poverty as a factor responsible for prostitution and human trafficking, adding that boosting the economies of developing countries would check the vices.

The monarch, who said trafficked persons and those engaged in prostitution get visas into western countries inspite of the stringent conditions, canvassed for rehabilitation of victims rather than repatriation.