Human Trafficking: Makinde reaffirms commitment to reintegration of returnees
By: Abudu Olalekan
It was not just another government meeting. This Saturday’s meeting at the IITA research station in Ibadan was different. It had real-life issues affecting real people at its center.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has, once again, shown his administration’s commitment to supporting victims of human trafficking and returnees from their respective countries. For Makinde, it is all about restoring their dignity and providing them with opportunities to rebuild their lives.
The governor directed his comments at a stakeholders’ dialogue on migration governance with the theme “Stronger Futures: Survivor-Centred Reintegration and Cross-Border Policy Dialogues”. It was held at the institute with his representative, the Special adviser on Migration and Homeland Security, retired ACG Segun Adegoke, leading the discussion.
According to the governor’s Special adviser, migration governance should not just be about protecting borders and securing international agreements. He noted that migration policy must focus on giving hope to those who have lost heart during their ordeal as victims of trafficking or migrant smuggling and those who have returned to their communities.
Governor Makinde’s YERP (Youth Empowerment and Reintegration Programme) partners, the NCFRMI (National Council for Freedom from Ritual, Forced and Migrant Initiatives) and ICMPD (International Centre for Migration Policy and Development), will soon start training 700 rural and returning youths in climate-smart agriculture.
The Oyo State Ministry of Agriculture has set aside 10,000 hectares of land for the former to settle down and start farming, according to the governor. He explained that one of the reasons why youths are easily lured into irregular migration is because of unemployment.
If they are unemployed, they are bound to seek other means to earn a living, and the irregular route is more convenient, attractive, and quick, according to Makinde. He said that they must be given psychosocial support and skill acquisition platforms so that they do not resort to destructive attitudes and wanton disregard for the law.
“We will continue to strengthen the State Reintegration Committee as well as other agencies in providing temporary shelter, socio-economic reintegration services, skills training, psychosocial support, and legal aid to returnees,” said Makinde.
His speech further stated that his administration is fully implementing the reviewed National Migration Policy 2025 and the UN Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration to give direction and momentum to sustainable development through regular migration. He further urged intending migrants to take caution and adhere to institutionalized safe migration routes for their personal safety since the desert is unforgiving.
Earlier, the convener of the dialogue program, Dr. Sarah Adeyinka, senior lecturer at the University of Amsterdam, commended the Oyo state government for its interest in giving meaning to the returnees’ reintegration process by collaborating with various stakeholders to facilitate their healing process.
“Furthermore, the event encourages parents to be more involved in their children’s lives and be wary of potential traffickers by discouraging them from easily believing in vague offers for employment, scholarships, and travel abroad,” she said.
The Oyo state commander of NAPTIP (National Agency for the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons), Kayode Alfred, said the partnership between NAPTIP and Oyo state would help the state achieve its anti-trafficking goals.
“The collaboration between Oyo State and NAPTIP will enable the state contribute its share towards combating trafficking in persons in Nigeria,” he said.
He added that trafficking in persons could take place from one state to the other for labor exploitation.
“Persons can become victims of trafficking in their own country due to ignorance, vulnerability, and manipulation. Family members should remind their loved ones that trafficking can occur in different forms through various means such as social media networks and should advise them to be wary of fake messages and job offers on these platforms,” said Alfred.
Some of the participants who were former returnees gave their views on the meeting, with some calling for more support, especially financial assistance, counseling, and empowerment to help them start their lives.
They further urged the Oyo state government to intervene on their behalf to help them settle down in their respective villages.
“Most victims of trafficking do not see a future for themselves upon their return from captivity. Even when reunited with family members and friends, they are regarded as second-class citizens. We seek the support of the Oyo state government to assist us in getting compensation for our years of suffering and to help us start over with assistance,” said the participants.
Olalekan A. Abudu is a seasoned and dedicated News Journalist at REPORTERS ROOM, with over eight years of experience. He specializes in politics, climate change, health, and education, while also covering security, economic, and judicial issues. Committed to accuracy and balanced reporting, Olalekan exemplifies the principles of public-interest journalism.
