The Journalists International Forum for Migration (JIFORM) has released a comprehensive report on its recently concluded online summit with a call to the African leaders to change the tide of irregular migration from the continent to other nations through economic reactivation.
The three-day event with the theme: “Migration; Post Covid-19 Era: The Role of Stakeholders” was the second edition of the virtual engagement organized by the body to update its over 150 members across the continents reporting migration and championing advocacy against irregular migration, human trafficking and crisis leading to the internal displacement of citizens in nations.
Participants at event included International Organistion for Migration (IOM), Gambia, Shingirai Vambe, Journalist and the Publisher of The Post on Sunday, Zimbabwe, Nigeria Immigration Service as well as Nigerians In Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).
Others are former President, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr. Abdul-Waheed Odusile and Professor Kanu Ikechukwu Anthony, O.S.A, the Rector of Villanova Polytechnic, Imesi-Ile, Osun State.
President/ Executive Director of JIFORM, Ajibola Abayomi while sharing details of the report in a statement, said “It has become imperative to sensitize our members and the public on the implication of Covid-19 on the economy and migration and what should be done to safe guard nations post-pandemic era.
“We are of the belief that the reality of the current situation should humble especially the African continent to have a rethink on quality of governance. For years, the leadership on the continent has embraced corruption as a way of life by abandoning investment in agriculture, education, infrastructure, commerce and industry, health and social security for the masses.
“While we are convinced that the pandemic days are numbered if all health procedures and scientific steps are adopted, JIFORM salutes the courage of health workers, the media and all organizations striving to put the current situation under control.
“Thus, we are demanding that journalist should be listed among the front liners at his critical period and all necessary palliatives, financial supports and insurance packages should be provided for journalists and other volunteers covering the disease.”
The President of JIFORM added that it was expedient for many African nations to stem the tide of irregular migration, by encouraging local or home industrialization to provide jobs for the teeming youths and lessen the dependency on foreign goods.
Other recommendations from the JIFORM summit are as follows: 1. Nations should adopt inclusive approach to include provision for the health care for migrants irrespective of their status whether regular or irregular.
- Nations should avoid the stigmatization of migrants as carriers of the disease.
- Governments in Africa especially in Nigeria should ensure timely evacuation of citizens that had expressed the desire to return home during the current pandemic irrespective of their migrants’ status.
- Nations should go beyond lip service to agricultural development and evolve policies and schemes that would encourage farmers to grow food bank as alternative to importation of food, especially in Africa.
- Employers should explore possibility of employment terms renegotiation with loyal and dedicated employees instead of terminating their appointments. We must emphasize employers’ loyalty as this has great consequences on the future of every organization.
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