Regina Otokpa 
…says Irregular migration a profound human tragedy
Blacks Ancestral Native Communities (BANC) Foundation, has urged countries with high records of irregular migrants to ensure safer and more transparent regular migration pathways, to protect and prevent more persons from exploitation, human trafficking modern slavery and in some cases, death.
Founder and CEO BANC Foundation, Dr. Chibuzor Ephraim Onyeama who made the call during the Anti-Irregular Migration Summit: Japa Conundrum on Thursday in Abuja, stressed the need for countries whose citizens were desperate to leave for greener pastures,
to address the challenges of poverty, unemployment insecurity, political stability and poor education quality.
Onyeama who described irregular migration as a “profound human tragedy,” regretted that it has a dangerous pathway of relocating to another country, which have led some victims to ensuring unimaginable exploitation and inhumane conditions, falling prey to horrific organ harvesters where bodies of victims were used for illegal transplants on the black market, or never being able to get to their destinations due to the perilous journeys across the Sahara desert or treacherous waters of the Mediterranean sea.
According to him, there was need for governments and leaders to prioritise creating environments where young people could prosper and build fulfilling lives, scale up awareness campaigns on dangers of irregular migration and life threatening risks.
He said: Community leaders, religious institutions and civil society organisations play crucial roles in addressing irregular migration.
They should actively champion the fight against it by educating their communities about regular migration pathways and collaborating with governments to develop programmes that empower the youth.
“We must also tackle the demand side of the issue. Countries that are popular destinations for migrants have a responsibility to establish safer and more transparent regular migration pathways.
“This can help reduce the reliance on dangerous and irregular migration routes often controlled by human traffickers and criminal networks. On an international scale, stronger collaboration between countries is essential to combat Huma trafficking syndicates and protect vulnerable migrants from exploitation ”
Onyeama further revealed that BANC foundation in an effort to curb the menace of irregular migration, was set to implement a programme STARCARE; Sensitisation, Training, Advocacy, Rehabilitation, Campaigns, Advisory, Reintegration and Empowerment.
“We must do everything within our power to prevent our youth from embarking on perilous journeys that endanger their lives. It is crucial to continually remind them that migration when pursued through proper channels, can unlock new opportunities but done the wrong way, it can close those doors permanently.”
Dr. Anthony Chibo while delivering the guest lecture, described irregular migration as a crisis that must be addressed beginning from the root causes to avoid Nigeria from sinking.
“Over 1.3 million Nigerians migrated in the last five years and the number of those who lost their lives are said to be grossly under reported.
“Out of every five irregular migrants, only one reaches their destination, we do not know what happens to two of them the remaining two are in limbo probably enslaved in Libya.”
Proferrig solutions to irregular migration, Chibo said there was need to enhance and promote entrepreneurial skills, harness technology and innovation, as well as strengthening of educational systems.
Kenyan Lawyer and Activist, Prof. Plo Lumumba while delivering the keynote address, regretted that about 60 years after the independence of most African countries from colonialism, they were yet to make things right.
Proferrig solutions to Irregular migration, Lumumba said there was need for a change in mindset, sanitisation of African politics, create opportunities in agriculture, clear policy guidelines, research and development.
“It all comes from the mind. We must change our mindset, when we change our mindsets then we begin to do the right things.
“One of the problems of Africans is the quality of politics that we have let’s not shy away from it. Each African country is running from disaster to disaster on a daily basis. Even when politicians steal they don’t keep it in their own country.
“In order to solve this problem the first thing to do is to sanitise our politics, let us not run away from it. . Good politics creates the oxygen for which the economy breathes. When the economy breathes things begin to change, you begin to create opportunities.
“Create an environment where young men and women can begin to think of themselves, create opportunities for agriculture,. Research and development will stem Japa. What we have in Africa is not sustainable unless we address it.”
Earlier, Chairman BANC Foundation, Sani Bako noted that haven known the factors driving irregular migration, Nigeria and Africa at large were not too far away from the solutions…
“The causes of the phenomenon of irregular migration vary from country to country, but one common factor that prevails in all countries is the wanton, inordinate, and senselessness corruption that has permeated the entire continent.
“Today, therefore, marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to
address one of the most pressing issues of our time, that is irregular migration, with all its attendant negative consequences to both the sending and receiving states as well as the individuals involved.
“So, as we launch the BANC, we call on all stakeholders, embassies, governments, NGOs, and international organizations to join us ad forge active collaboration to address the menace of irregular migration in all its ramifications and with all the attendant negative consequences.”
“In forging active collaboration, we should all bear in mind that we ae embarking on a journey to protect the rights, dignity, and well-being of migrants and to promote humane and sustainable solutions to this complex challenge. In particular BANC is poised to forge collaboration with government and its agencies in: –
“Strengthening Border Control implementing an effective asylum system enhancing international cooperation addressing root Causes Promoting regular migration channels and skills acquisition and deployment of skied migrants to countries where their skills are required.
“Our mission is built on the principles of compassion, justice, and solidarity. We recognize the courage and resilience of migrants and commit to amplifying their voices and stories.
“Through research, advocacy, and community engagement, BANC would work tirelessly to:
Prevent human trafficking and exploitation Support migrant integration and inclusion Promote policy reforms and international cooperation.”
