The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its zero tolerance for illegal migration, vowing to shield its citizens—especially youth—from falling victim to modern slavery and perilous journeys through desert routes.
Mr. Segun Adegoke, Special Adviser to the Governor on Migration, Homeland, and Security, made this known on Friday in Ibadan while addressing journalists after the inaugural meeting of the Oyo State Reintegration Committee.
Adegoke explained that the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration set up the committee to lead the state’s efforts in reintegration, advocacy, and awareness campaigns against irregular migration.
“We don’t want our citizens to suffer another form of slavery. We’re encouraging youths not to ‘japa’ through illegal means like the desert,” Adegoke said.
The committee, inaugurated by the South-West Coordinator of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), is empowered under Section 7 of the NCFRMI Act of 2021 and Section 7.2 of the National Migration Policy 2015. It will handle matters concerning migrants, returnees, and internally displaced persons across Oyo State.
Adegoke commended Governor Makinde for establishing the Office of Migration and Homeland Security, noting that Oyo remains the only state in the country with such a structure in place.
In a major step toward economic empowerment, the state has allocated 10,000 hectares of land in Iganna, Itesiwaju Local Government Area, for a Youth Empowerment and Reintegration Project, to be funded by the Danish Government in partnership with a European Union organisation and the National Centre for Migration Policy.
The initiative is expected to provide mechanised farming training, financial support, and market access to returnees and youths, with a commitment that 18% of beneficiaries will come from the Itesiwaju/Iwajowa axis.
“This project will not only create jobs but also curb illegal migration by meaningfully engaging our youths,” Adegoke added.
The reintegration project is expected to positively impact local communities and serve as a model for sustainable migration management across the country.
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