The event opened with a stage presentation of an opera by youths who represented various professions and endeavours of Migrants.
The musical drama vibrated as the audience applauded the beautiful performance.
Shortly after, the Dance Troupe from Nasarawa State took the stage.
With zest, the Bata Dancers came up and thrilled the audience.
The Unity Troupe in their brilliant yellow, red and blue attire wriggled to the amazement of the audience as drummers dressed in ankara uniform struk the leather tops of the drums with synchronised sounds.
That, set the tone and mood of the perception of the largest gathering in the Migration space in Nigeria – the 2024 International Migrants Day.
The arrival of the Vice President, Alh. Kashim Shetima, signalled the beginning of the programme, on Monday December 9, at the Villa Banquet Hall, Asokoro, where law makers, international, state and non state actors gathered at the event hosted by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Poverty Alleviation.
WOTCLEF Executive Director Imaobong Ladipo Sanusi made her contributions at the invitation of the National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, (NCFRMI).
The Honourable Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI, Hon. Tijani Aliyu Ahmed, in his welcome address, showcased the efforts of NCFRMI so far, which includes resettlement for Internally Displaced Persons, skills acquisition centers, medical outreaches and various advocacy strategies carried out.
This was followed by a goodwill message from the Representative of the Ambassador and Head of Europe Union delegation to ECOWAS, Ruben Albatini.
The Keynote Speaker, Professor Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan, the Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), mounted the podium with zeal to speak. He noted that migrants, by whatever classification, are human beings and are entitled to their fundamental human rights.
He clarified that no matter what the context is, Migrants are human beings, they have skills and must be treated with dignity.
He noted that with Nigerians having 61% of the most educated Migrants in the United States of America, they have done so much in their interventions.
Prof. Ladan emphasied that Nigerians are not “parasites but strife to make a difference wherever they are”.
He stressed the essence of japa and japada syndrome noting that “none existence of job at choice destinations for some Migrants are never juicy”.
He observed that breaking the hurdles to travel by road, sea or smuggled is so significant and must underscore the 79th General Assembly decision at the United Nations for safe, orderly and regular Migration.
He called out to all to leverage on youth migration for development in the best interests Nigerian youths. “They must be celebrated”, he submitted.
Economically, he said that Migrants contributions to country of destinations, while filling labour gaps in declined population, and contribution at the country of origin in form of remittances cannot be overemphasised.
He noted that Migrants stabilise house hold economy and poverty alleviation to drive economic growth.
Prof. Ladan highlighted the following that:
Migrants drive entrepreneurial or innovative designs,
contribute positively to promote diversity and inclusion to rebuild infrastructure and social cohesion, enrich food diversity and nutritional support amongst other things.
He however noted that,
Africans undertake risky journeys fuelled by Traffickers, Smugglers and Irregular means.
He warns that all forms of discriminatory practices like hate speeches and xenophobia must be prevented.
Stressing that there must be security on all forms – health, economic, social, educational which will culminate to the civil, social, polical rights of Migrants as enshrined in the constitution which is for “the common good of all”.
He said further that while exploring the role of bilateral labour migration, we must facilitate protection of rights, with National Migration Policy reviewed to reflect current issues.
Next was the speech of the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Chairman of the day, who presented the common decision of the CSOs working in the migration space to
ensure a 360 degree whole of society and government approach.
The Civil Society Forum (CSF), which was launched since 2020 has justified voices of all resonating and actively shaping migration issues .
The Vice President, Alh. Kashim Shettima mounted the podium and re-echoed the essence of the world not being built by ideas alone but by the freedom to pursue dreams.
Alh. Shettima was proud to note that 64% of remittances in Africa were directly from Migrants which have hugely impacted the economy in the continent.
He said our Nigerian Migrants are global Ambassadors and are excelling in different fields.
His words: “they have become global ambassadors who excel in technology, medicine, sports, creative arts, and other human endeavours”.
“Migrants build nations and civilisations”, the Vice President announced.
Stating that “1.3 million Migrants from different parts of the world call Nigeria their home”.
On a sober note, he observed that over 10 thousand Nigerians are detained all over the world, assuring that the Federal Government remains resolute in addressing migration challenges.
The Minister of the Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Nentawe Godhwe Yilwadta emphasizing that Nigeria Migrants have justify indelible marks all over the globe, cited instances of the export of Nigerian music and the acceptance in the Entertainment Industry.
With two different sets of panels of discussions, take homes included
things Migrants bring to development :
Innovation
Skills
Resourcefulness
Global exposure
Networking
The house rose with optimism of making migration dynamics a conversation for all.
#nmd
#csf
#migration
#NCFRMI
