…Set to train 700 returnee youths in agribusiness

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening reintegration support for returnees, particularly survivors of human trafficking and irregular migration, through sustained collaboration with federal institutions, international partners, relevant stakeholders and local communities.

 

Makinde, represented by his Special Adviser on Migration and Homeland Security, ACG Segun Adegoke (rtd), stated this at a programme titled, “Stronger Futures: Survivor-Centred Reintegration and Cross-Border Policy Dialogues,” held at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan.

 

Speaking on the topic, “From Research to Practice: Government Perspectives on Reintegration in Oyo,” the governor reiterated his administration’s resolve to combat human trafficking through sustained advocacy, public sensitisation and strategic partnerships aimed at discouraging irregular migration.

 

He disclosed that the Office of Migration and Homeland Security has partnered with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and other development partners under the Youth Empowerment and Reintegration Project (YERP) to empower 700 rural and returning youths.

 

According to him, the initiative promotes climate-smart agriculture, skills development, access to land and sustainable livelihoods, backed by the allocation of 10,000 hectares by the Oyo State Ministry of Agriculture for young farmers across the state.

 

Makinde said the project is designed to address youth unemployment, tackle some of the root causes of irregular migration and provide psychosocial support and economic opportunities that would reduce the desperation driving irregular migration while protecting survivors from re-trafficking.

 

He stressed that the true measure of migration governance lies not only in securing borders but also in restoring hope, dignity and opportunities for returnees, especially survivors of human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

 

The governor added that his administration has continued to implement awareness, prevention and reintegration initiatives in line with the reviewed National Migration Policy 2025 and the United Nations Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, while strengthening partnerships that promote safe migration and protect vulnerable citizens.

 

He assured participants that the state government would continue to strengthen the Oyo State Reintegration Committee and other critical stakeholders as part of Nigeria’s migration governance architecture to provide coordinated support for returnees through temporary shelter, socio-economic reintegration, skills acquisition, psychosocial care, empowerment and legal assistance.

 

Makinde also urged residents of the state to pursue legitimate migration pathways and avoid exposing themselves to the dangers associated with irregular migration.

 

Earlier, the convener of the programme and Senior Lecturer at the University of Amsterdam, Dr. Sarah Adeyinka, commended the Oyo State Government for its commitment to combating human trafficking and supporting the reintegration of survivors.

 

She explained that the programme was designed to assist returnees in recovering from their traumatic experiences through collaboration with the state government and other stakeholders.

 

Adeyinka urged parents, guardians and community leaders to closely monitor young people and discourage them from falling victim to fraudulent overseas job offers and irregular migration schemes.

 

Also speaking, the Oyo State Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mr. Kayode Alfred, commended the state government for its strong partnership with the agency and other stakeholders in the fight against human trafficking.

 

Alfred noted that human trafficking is not limited to international migration but also occurs within Nigeria, where victims are trafficked across states for exploitation through deception, ignorance and desperation.

 

He cautioned Nigerians to exercise vigilance when dealing with strangers, particularly those encountered on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, warning that traffickers often disguise themselves as recruiters offering jobs, scholarships or travel opportunities.

 

Some of the returnees who shared their experiences appealed to the state government for increased financial and psychosocial support to enable them to rebuild their lives and reintegrate successfully into society.