Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has launched a strategic initiative to assist migrant returnees and survivors of human trafficking. The plan includes a support network designed to provide training for 700 youths, focusing on climate-smart agribusiness.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Migration and Homeland Security, Segun Adegoke, the Governor detailed these plans at the ‘Stronger Futures’ event held at the IITA in Ibadan. The administration aims to address the root causes of irregular migration by fostering sustainable economic opportunities and restoring the dignity of those returning home.
Through the Youth Empowerment and Reintegration Project, the state government is working alongside the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons and international agencies. This project includes granting young farmers access to 10,000 hectares of land. The goal is to lower unemployment rates, which frequently push individuals toward dangerous migration paths.
Governor Makinde emphasized that effective migration management requires more than just border security; it demands the restoration of hope and economic stability for vulnerable populations. The state is committed to aligning its efforts with the National Migration Policy 2025 and international standards to protect citizens from exploitation.
During the event, experts and officials, including Dr. Sarah Adeyinka and NAPTIP Commander Kayode Alfred, lauded the state’s proactive stance. They warned the public against fraudulent job offers found on social media and stressed that human trafficking often occurs within domestic borders as well. The government remains focused on providing legal aid, psychosocial support, and vocational skills to help returnees rebuild their lives successfully.
