Ilorin, (Kwara State): The National Orientation Agency (NOA) is strengthening its collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) to address the root causes of illegal migration and reduce the incidence of internal displacement.
NOA North Central Zonal Director, Dr Priscilla Gondo-Aluor, made the plea while leading the members of staff on a courtesy visit to NCFRMI in Ilorin on Wednesday.
Gondo-Aluor said it was imperative to increase the sensitisation and admonition in value reorientation to reduce the circumstances leading to illegal migration and having IDPs in Nigeria.
She called for more proactive actions than reactive ones to reduce social vices that contribute to insecurity, thereby reshaping the positive trajectory Nigeria was known for.
“It is important that both agencies work together to improve our advocacy, especially to the young ones, on the dangers associated with not travelling correctly.
“There is nothing wrong with migration, but it should be done the right way and not by causing problems for themselves and the country.
”There is also the need to, as citizens, have respect for people’s rights and beliefs, which is one of the reasons for the insecurity bedevilling us as a nation.
“Insecurity is the major cause of having IDPs across the country, and it is better we nip it in the bud because after the North-East, the North Central is the worst hit,” she said.
She said both agencies should be deliberate about raising awareness of ways to reduce the circumstances that lead to these problems, as the commission could only help, not solve, all the problems.
The NOA director said the best approach was to prevent problems, especially man-made disasters.
In her response, NCFRMI North Central Zonal Coordinator, Mrs Jumai Ahmed, says the commission is responsible for protecting and assisting vulnerable populations.
The vulnerable populations, she says, include refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, stateless persons, and IDPs.
According to Ahmed, the commission has provided relief materials to stabilise the hopeless people until their situation improves.
She pledged the commission’s readiness to strengthen its partnership with NOA to reduce illegal migration and IDPs in the country to the barest minimum.
