Oyo Govt Pledges to Shield Citizens from Modern Slavery

Oyo Government Reaffirms Commitment to Combating Human Trafficking and Illegal Migration

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding residents from falling prey to modern-day slavery, emphasizing its firm stance against all forms of unlawful migration.

This assurance was given by Mr. Segun Adegoke, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Migration, Homeland, and Security, during a press briefing in Ibadan. The statement followed the inaugural session of the Oyo State Reintegration Committee, which aims to strengthen support systems for returnees and promote safe migration practices.

Adegoke explained that the Makinde administration established the committee as part of its unwavering stance against

Adegoke highlighted that the committee was established to tackle critical issues related to reintegration, illegal migration, preventive measures, public advocacy, and education on the dangers of unsafe travel routes—particularly those involving desert crossings.

“We don’t want our people to fall into another cycle of modern slavery,” he emphasized. “That’s why we’re urging our youth not to embark on illegal journeys—especially those through desert paths—in the name of ‘japa.’”

He further noted that the state’s Reintegration Committee was formally inaugurated by the South-West Coordinator of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI).

According to Adegoke, the committee operates in alignment with Section 7 of the NCFRMI Act of 2021 and Section 7.2 of Nigeria’s National Migration Policy (2015). Its core mission is to manage the reintegration of returnees and provide coordinated support for migrants, refugees, and internally displaced individuals within Oyo State.

He also praised Governor Seyi Makinde for the foresight in establishing the Office of Migration and Homeland Security, pointing out that Oyo remains the only state in the country with such a dedicated office.

Adegoke revealed that Governor Makinde has taken a bold step by approving 10,000 hectares of land—allocated through the state’s Ministry of Agriculture—for a Youth Empowerment and Reintegration Project. The initiative is being implemented with support from the National Centre for Migration Policy in collaboration with a European Union partner.

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He stated that the initiative, backed by funding from the Danish Government, is designed to generate employment opportunities for young people in the state.

The allocated land, located in Iganna within Itesiwaju Local Government Area, is being managed under the oversight of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons.

According to Adegoke, the Oyo State Reintegration Committee will now play an active role on the project’s steering committee to ensure its effective implementation. He added that 18 percent of the beneficiaries have been reserved for indigenes from the Itesiwaju/Iwajowa region.

He emphasized that the program will strictly benefit genuine returnees and young residents of Oyo State.

He added that Governor Makinde has emphasized the importance of equipping beneficiaries with training in modern, mechanized farming techniques. In addition to this, financial support will be made available to participants, along with guaranteed access to markets for their produce.

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Adegoke praised the governor’s dedication and foresight, noting that the initiative is designed not only to empower young people with jobs but also to bring positive economic impact to surrounding communities.

He further stated that the project is expected to serve as a deterrent to illegal migration, as it will engage youth in meaningful agricultural ventures that offer real opportunities at home.