FG Embarks on Re-integration of Illegal Migrants

Ondo State Governor Commends Initiative to Curb Perilous Migration Trends

The Federal Government’s new initiative aimed at re-integrating illegal migrants has received commendation from the Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Ayedatiwa. Speaking at the Re-Integration Stakeholders Meeting organized by the State’s Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment Migrant Resource Centre in Akure, the governor highlighted the dangerous trend of Nigerian youths seeking greener pastures abroad. He stressed the need for collective efforts to curb this perilous action that has resulted in numerous lost lives and truncated destinies.

In her address, the Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Deaconess Omolola Fagbemi, emphasized the importance of discussing safer migration options for youths. While acknowledging that legal migration is a natural human tendency, she underscored Nigeria’s potential for a vibrant nation given its fertile land and abundant natural and human resources.

Fagbemi admonished youths to reconsider the widely-held belief that traveling abroad is the sole path to a better life. She opined that the funds and energy spent on such endeavours could be more judiciously utilised if carefully invested here in our country. She expressed optimism about the nation’s future provided there’s a collective and genuine commitment from all citizens to contribute positively. “The task of building Nigeria is a collective responsibility. We must come together with a genuine and united spirit to make our country work”. Fagbemi remarked.

Barrister Maureen Ovie, leader of the Migrant Resource Centre, expressed her delight at the turnout and the caliber of attendees at the meeting. She highlighted the recent surge in irregular migration, particularly among young people from rural areas, who are often deceived by false promises of employment and a better life abroad.

Ovie noted that this quest for better economic opportunities has led many to dangerous journeys, resulting in human trafficking, modern slavery, and tragic migrant deaths and injuries. Ovie called for collective action from government agencies, civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations to address the root causes of irregular migration and to propose viable solutions.

The meeting was attended by several notable figures, including the Hon. Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Prince Boye Ologbese; Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender, Chief Mrs. Olamide Falana; Mrs. Tolu Adeyemi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports; Mrs. Olanike Megboruko, State Coordinator of the Migrant Resource Centre; and Mrs. Oluseyi Odusola, President of the NCWS, Ondo State chapter.