The Blacks Ancestral Native Communities (BANC) Foundation has announced plans to launch a comprehensive action plan to address the alarming rate of irregular migration affecting Nigeria and other African countries.
This initiative will be unveiled at the Anti-Irregular Migration Summit (AiMS) scheduled for September 2024, in Abuja.
Nigeria and some African countries have been largely affected with loss of skilled and unskilled professionals who have adopted the renowned ‘japa’ slogan in seeking greener pasture abroad.
However, while many migrated through the legal routes, some others ended up in difficult situations as a result of unlawful means taken to travel abroad in their ‘japa’ plans.
Addressing journalists on the event in Abuja, president of the foundation, Dr Chibuzor Onyema, said the summit, themed, “The JAPA Conundrum: Comprehensive Strategies for Addressing the Irregular Migration Crisis,” aims to gather key stakeholders including government officials, youth representatives, international organisations, NGOs, researchers, and community leaders.
Onyema noted that keynote addresses will be delivered by prominent speakers such as Professor PLO Lumumba, Dr Anthony Chibo-Christopher, Mohsen Antit, ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia, and, Professor Fuankeng Achankeng.
According to him, these experts will lead discussions on the socio-economic, political, and environmental factors driving irregular migration, as well as the development of policies and collaborative efforts to address these challenges.
He said that the major highlight of the summit will be the launch of the Irregular Migration Skills Acquisition and Resources Centre (IMMSaRC), an institute designed to provide youth with hands-on training and employment opportunities.
This centre, he said, aims to bridge educational gaps and offer a legitimate platform for labour exchange between Africa and Western countries.
He noted that AiMS is expected to foster international cooperation, raise public awareness about the consequences of irregular migration, and promote sustainable development to address the root causes of migration.
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