By Gabriel Enogholase

GOVERNOR Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has said the state government will partner religious bodies to address the menace of street trading by children.

Governor Obaseki, who spoke when the Prelate of Methodist Church, Nigeria, Dr Samuel Uche, and other clerics, paid him a courtesy visit in Benin, said  the issue of street trading by children was worrisome and of great concern to the state government.

“We want to work with relevant stakeholders to know the number of these children, especially in Benin, and proffer solution. We believe that religious bodies in the state can play a great role in this regard,” he said.

Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki

The governor, who appreciated the role of religious bodies in ensuring peaceful coexistence in any society, insisted that the state and religious body must work in harmony.

According to him, his administration would consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor to ensure more meaningful developments were realized in the state and  assured the prelate of his administration’s support in the building of Methodist Vocational Secondary School in the state.

Earlier, the Prelate commended the governor for his victory at the 2016 Edo polls and advised him to give welfare of workers and pensioners a first line charge.

The Prelate also advised the governor to build on the achievement of his predecessor and see himself as a governor to every Edo citizen.

He then prayed for peaceful coexistence in the state and urged youths to shun vices.