Edo First Lady's Office Partners with IOM to Curb Irregular Migration

Edo First Lady’s Office Partners with IOM to Curb Irregular Migration

By Adesuwa Ehimuan

The Office of the First Lady of Edo State has partnered with the International Organization for Migration, IOM to combat irregular migration in the state.

The one-day seminar was held today at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Benin City, with the theme: “Managing Migration Through Development (MMDP) 2.0 Project in Edo State.”

The seminar brought together stakeholders in the migration sector to discuss strategies for achieving economic self-sufficiency, social stability, and psychological wellbeing for returning migrants.

The Coordinator Office of the First Lady, Mrs Edesili Anani was represented by Hajia Nimata Ikhilor, Wife of the Secretary to the Edo State Government, who emphasized the need to curb irregular migration, encouraging individuals to travel through legitimate channels to avoid risking their lives.

She further stated “irregular migration must be curb in Edo state. If you must travel, ensure you travel through the right process, so you do not endanger your life. We say no to irregular migration. There will be more of this collaboration to enhance human capital development in Edo State”.

In his opening speech the Head of IOM’s Sub Office in Benin, Arshad Khan Rashid, highlighted the organization’s role in promoting humane and orderly migration, responding to humanitarian crises, and assisting stranded Nigerians abroad.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951, IOM is part of the United Nations System and stands as the leading intergovernment organization in the field of migration.

With 175 member states, a further 8 states holding observer status and offices in 171 countries, IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It provides support to migrants across the world.

He further stated, “IOM has been supporting the Nigerian government in managing migration for development, particularly through its Migration Management for Development (MMDP) project. With over 20 years of presence in Nigeria, IOM has been responding to humanitarian crises, including the devastating floods in the North East and irregular migration.

IOM has assisted approximately 46,000 Nigerians in returning home since 2017, with one international flight per week landing in Lagos International Airport with returning migrants”.

In his remarks, the Director General, Edo State Migration Agency, Hon Lucky Agazuma said “It is a great honour to meet with the consultant who designed the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the migration agency Dr Godwin Morka. No organization want to stay in isolation, it only with strategic collaboration we can all get a desired innovation. Base on this collaboration today, it is a milestone for the migration agency.

On behalf of the Edo State Government, I appreciate the International Organisation for Migration IOM, christian community, muslim community, traditional ruler, CSOs, NGOs, Network Against Child Trafficking Abuse & Labour ( NACTAL), Returnees better know as the survivors and all the stakeholders. With this strategic meeting, I am optimistic we would be able to proceed to Managing Migration Through Development, MMDP 3.0 Project in Edo State”.

The event underscores Edo State Government and International Organisation for Migration (IOM) effort in promoting safe and orderly migration, protect the rights of migrants, and supporting the development of Edo State and Nigeria at large.