The Netherlands embassy has pledged support for the proposed international conference on migration to be organised by Journalists International Forum for Migration (JIFORM) in the country this year.
The delegation of the association comprised its president, Ajibola Abayomi, the Managing Director/CEO of TheLead Publications, Muyiwa Lucas, an editor with The Nation newspaper, Samuel Oba Adeoye, the Chief Executive Officer of Everest News and Bose Adelaja of Vanguard newspaper.
The president explained that the visit became imperative owing to the growing concerns on migration related matters across the globe affecting economies of nations negatively.
He noted that the development was getting worse coupled with the incessant urge among African youths being lured to slavery through several dangerous routes to Europe.
He said that JIFORM was committed to reversing the tide through responsible journalism and communication strategies.
Ajibola added that the association planned series of advocacies including magazine publication, strategic presentations, position papers and other engagements to further influence government’s policies on migration in due course.
These he averred would be achieved with collaborations with agencies across nations.
The delegation expressed readiness to also support efforts at reintegrating returnees into their communities in the nation and sought collaboration with the embassy.
Speaking, First Secretary of the embassy, Ceceil Groot who represented the Dutch Consular in Nigeria said the organisation would give technical supports, share information strategies, training assistance and moral backing to the conference.
Although she was quick to state that the embassy would moderate its financial commitment owing to series of engagements with agencies like International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in the country as well as other bodies.
She said the Consular appreciated the visit but was occupied with other pressing matters at the embassy’s headquarter in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, hence her secondment to Lagos to receive the association.
Ceceil urged positive reports from the media to encourage returnee migrants to regain their confidence in their respective communities.
She noted that many irregular migrants from findings were dejected and needed support to resume normal life having embarked on failed journeys that landed them to slavery and human trafficking camps outside Nigeria.
According to her, there was need for more advocacies and enlightenments on migration issues so as to limit its negative consequences across the globe.
She offered to liaise with the leadership of the association on various training programmes to further boost capacity of its members soon.
Photo: President, Journalists International Forum For Migration (JIFORM), Ajibola Abayomi (right) presenting proposal on International Migration Conference in Nigeria to Ceceil Groot, First Secretary Netherlands Embassy in Nigeria and representative of Netherlands Consular during the association’s courtesy visit to the embassy in Lagos on Friday.
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