Group supports 431 returned migrants in Edo

…Set to train 10,000 this year
No fewer than 431 returned migrants in Edo have so far benefitted from the support programmes of Genius Hub, a social enterprise in Benin Edo State.

According to the Managing Director (MD) of the enterprise, Mrs. Isimeme Whyte, during a press briefing cum end of the year thanksgiving event held in Benin City on Thursday December 30, 2021, the many programmes of the organisation also provide rehabilitation through various forms of skills and entrepreneurship support, and within the period of review-2021, the organisation trained 761 persons.

She further disclosed that Genius Hub was NABTEB certified, and a total of 31 skills were provided by the organisation. “The hub has a projection to train not less than 10,000 persons this year. In view of this, we will be expanding to include an e-learning platform in our programme. Genius Hub has various service divisions which cater to different interventions in the society including an NGO known as Genius Hub Global Initiative, a schools club known as Genius Hub Junior Schools Club, Genius Hub Community Engagement Programme, Genius Hub Skills Acquisition and Mentorship Programme, Genius Hub Online Market and Community, and Young Girls Foundation. We will be open to more schools, more volunteers to mentor our school children, and we will also inaugurate an impact story platform for people with impactful stories to tell. This will be with a view to inspire others.”

She continued: “In 2021, no fewer than 820 students in various schools across the state were reached via the Genius Hub Junior schools club, while 21 victims of gender-based violence were rescued, trained and supported. 431 returnees were trained and reintegrated, 5,000 persons were also engaged in community outreach programmes to create awareness about various issues of concern in the society. 500 students were given training scholarships on digital marketing, cosmetology, fashion design, graphic design, hairdressing, etc.”

She further noted that 617 persons were trained in life management skills and vocational skills. “A total of 8,970 persons have been reached by Genius Hub’s various programmes since inception including training of returned migrants and potential migrants. We have also extended our reach from two offices in Edo State to two other major Nigerian states, Lagos and Kano. These expansions were strategic, particularly in view of the fight against human trafficking and irregular migration of the NGO schedule.”

While measuring impact during the event, it was revealed that over 100 trained beneficiaries now own shops. 15% have employed at least one person, 26.5% have gotten job matching, while another 15% have become digital marketing service providers to the beneficiaries.

The MD however revealed that Genius Hub also has a shelter for returning migrants here in Edo State to help them get back on their feet. She said: “We also reached 55 communities across 25 local government areas across the country. This is because Genius Hub creates a system that fosters growth, business sustainability and networking. The organisation also engages in mass production of ready-to-wear garments, wigs, aprons and facemasks etc. and has recently been certified by the Nigeria Export Promotion Council to export her products globally.”

Whyte further revealed that within the period under review, the hub also produced seven family movies, which trickle down to create about 300 jobs.

On the future beyond 2022, Genius Hub unveiled plans to build the largest vocational institute in Africa in five years.

As a means of rewarding its own staff, Genius Hub also appreciated and gifted five of her management staff with plots of land during the Thanksgiving Dinner.