The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (CGI), Isah Jere Idris, and his esteemed predecessor, Muhammed Babandede, have lauded the Nigerian-German Centre for Jobs, Migration and Reintegration (NGC) and the Journalists International Forum For Migration (JIFORM) efforts in halting irregular migration.
During the highly anticipated 2-day workshop on Sensitisation Strategies and Reportage on Irregular Migration and Human Trafficking, yesterday in Abuja the CGI Isah Jere, represented by assistant controller General Ngozi Odikpo, expressed gratitude to the NGC for recognising the event.
With passion and urgency, the CGI called upon media practitioners to unleash their journalistic prowess in informing the public about the perils of irregular Migration.
He emphasised the need for thorough investigation and the formulation of viable solutions to combat this menace, advocating for safe and regular migration as the way forward.
Joining the chorus, Babandede, an influential figure in the realm of migration, stressed the imperative role of media in enlightening society about the dangers of irregular migration, human trafficking, and smuggling of migrants.
He highlighted the power of entertainment as a tool for public awareness, citing the successful collaboration between IOM Nigeria and the Swiss Federation in producing the thought-provoking television series titled “The Missing Steps,” a project close to his heart. However, he urged the media to step up their efforts, as a significant portion of the population remains oblivious to these vices.
Representing NGC, Tolulope Olaiya, expressed unwavering support for JIFORM’s capacity building initiative for journalists, recognising the pivotal role the media plays in shaping public perception of migration issues.
Emphasizing the impact of words, she underscored the responsibility of journalists in exposing the truth and dispelling false hopes spread by malicious actors.
The two-day workshop aimed to enhance journalists’ knowledge of evidence-based reporting and migration management, ultimately influencing policies and their implementation. Tolulope shed light on NGC’s Migration for Development (PME) programme, implemented by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ).
She said the programme has provided extensive support to over 282,000 returnees and locals, offering consultations, employment opportunities, business start-up measures, qualifications, and psychosocial support services.
Esteemed speakers at the event included Dr. Ajibola Abayomi, president of JIFORM; Comptroller NIS Rivers State, James Sunday; Vincent Adekoye, National Press Officer of the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP); and Mrs. Ovie Maureen, head of Migrant Resource Centres at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
The collaboration between NGC and JIFORM signals a powerful alliance in the fight against irregular migration, placing the media at the forefront of change. Together, they strive to reshape public perception, advocate for safe migration, and create a brighter future for all.
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