Ilorin: The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has sought increased partnership with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) to reduce circumstances leading to illegal migration and IDPs. NOA North Central Zonal Director, Dr. Priscilla Gondo-Aluor, made the plea while leading the staff on a courtesy visit to NCFRMI in Ilorin.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Gondo-Aluor emphasized the importance of heightened sensitization and value reorientation efforts to mitigate issues leading to illegal migration and the rise of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria. She advocated for more proactive measures rather than reactive ones to tackle social vices contributing to insecurity and aimed to reshape Nigeria’s positive trajectory.
Gondo-Aluor stressed the necessity for both agencies to collaborate in improving advocacy, especially among the youth, regarding the dangers of incorrect migration practices. She noted that migration itself is not problematic, but it should be conducted properly to avoid causing issues for individuals and the country.
She highlighted the importance of respecting people’s rights and beliefs as a means to address the insecurity challenges plaguing the nation. She identified insecurity as a primary cause of the increasing number of IDPs in the country, particularly affecting the North-Central region following the North-East.
Gondo-Aluor underscored the need for deliberate awareness campaigns to address the root causes of these problems, noting that while the commission can assist, it cannot solve all issues alone. She emphasized that preventing problems, particularly man-made disasters, is crucial.
In response, NCFRMI North Central Zonal Coordinator Mrs. Jumai Ahmed affirmed the commission’s responsibility to protect and assist vulnerable populations, including refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, stateless persons, and IDPs. Ahmed stated that the commission has been providing relief materials to support these populations until their situations improve. She pledged the commission’s readiness to strengthen its partnership with NOA in efforts to minimize illegal migration and the number of IDPs in the country.