By Our Correspondent
National News – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has revealed that about 9,000 returned migrants have been successfully reintegrated into society through a partnership with the Edo State Government.
The initiative focuses on skills training, economic empowerment, and sustainable livelihood opportunities aimed at helping returnees rebuild their lives after migration experiences abroad.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Edo State Governor, the Chief of Mission for IOM Nigeria, Dimanche Sharon, commended the state government’s commitment to youth empowerment and migration management.
She disclosed that thousands of repatriated migrants have already received training, financial support, and reintegration assistance designed to help them restart their lives and contribute positively to their communities.
According to Sharon, the state government’s broader youth empowerment strategy has also benefited more than 500,000 people through skills acquisition programmes, entrepreneurship support, and vocational training.
These programmes are part of a wider effort to reduce unemployment and discourage irregular migration among young Nigerians.
The governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, welcomed the IOM delegation and reiterated his administration’s determination to partner with international organisations to tackle irregular migration and youth unemployment.
He explained that creating economic opportunities and improving security were key priorities for the state government.
Okpebholo also noted that cult-related violence previously contributed to insecurity and migration pressures in the state.
However, he stated that decisive government actions had drastically reduced such incidents and restored peace across Edo communities.
The governor added that his administration is working to strengthen a business-friendly environment that will attract investment, create jobs, and provide sustainable economic opportunities for residents.
He also highlighted Edo State’s historical importance as one of Africa’s oldest urban centres and a place once visited by early Portuguese and British explorers.
According to him, stronger legislation and enforcement measures are now in place to combat illegal migration and human trafficking.
Authorities have also intensified scrutiny of traffickers and individuals involved in migration-related exploitation, including traditional practitioners accused of administering secrecy oaths to victims.
With ongoing collaboration between IOM and Edo authorities, officials say more returnees will continue to receive training, digital skills development, and entrepreneurial support to ensure long-term reintegration.
