The Oyo State Government has taken a decisive step toward combating illegal migration by allocating 10,000 hectares of land for a Youth Empowerment and Reintegration Project aimed at engaging young people and returnees in productive agribusiness ventures.
This was disclosed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Migration and Homeland Security, ACG Segun Adegoke (rtd), during a press briefing in Ibadan after the inaugural meeting of the Oyo State Reintegration Committee.
According to Adegoke, the initiative is part of Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to addressing illegal migration, returnee integration, awareness creation, and the implementation of national migration policies. He emphasized that the administration has zero tolerance for all forms of irregular migration, especially the dangerous desert route, popularly referred to as “illegal japa.”
He revealed that the 10,000 hectares, located in Iganna, Itesiwaju Local Government Area, was provided through the State Ministry of Agriculture and will be used for a project coordinated by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI). The project is sponsored by the National Centre for Migration Policy, in partnership with the European Union and the Government of Denmark.
“This initiative is a game-changer. Beneficiaries, particularly youths and returnees, will be trained in mechanized farming and supported with funding and access to markets,” Adegoke said. “It’s a full value-chain development programme that will engage young people productively, reduce illegal migration, and boost local economies.”
Adegoke praised Governor Makinde’s visionary leadership, noting that Oyo State remains the only state in Nigeria with a dedicated Office of Migration and Homeland Security, reflecting the governor’s unique approach to tackling migration issues holistically.
He further explained that the Oyo State Reintegration Committee was inaugurated by the Southwest Coordinator of the NCFRMI and is mandated to implement the provisions of both the National Commission for Migrants, Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons Act (2021) and the National Migration Policy (2015). The committee will oversee the integration of returnees, internally displaced persons, and vulnerable migrants into society.
“We are not against people seeking greener pastures, but we want them to do so through legal and safe means,” Adegoke stated. “We’re creating awareness that you don’t need to risk your life crossing the desert. There are international job opportunities available through verified channels like the UN. If you qualify, you will be selected without leaving your home until departure.”
He added that 18% of the project beneficiaries will be local indigenes, ensuring that host communities also benefit from the initiative.
The project is expected to significantly reduce Oyo State’s status as a source, destination, or transit point for irregular migration within the next two years.
