Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has allocated 10,000 hectares of land in Iganna, Itesiwaju Local Government Area, as part of a major initiative to combat illegal migration and provide sustainable livelihoods for young people. The land was allocated to the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) under a reintegration programme supported by the European Union and the Danish government. The initiative aims to empower returnees and at-risk youths through agriculture and vocational training, reducing their vulnerability to irregular migration and human trafficking. Speaking during the launch of the programme in Ibadan, Governor Makinde stated that the state would not support any activity that encourages illegal migration or modern-day slavery. He emphasized the government’s commitment to creating viable opportunities within the country, noting that the land would be used to train and empower beneficiaries in mechanized farming and agribusiness. Makinde said at least 18 percent of those to benefit from the initiative must be indigenes of the Iwajowa/Itesiwaju axis, where the land is located. He assured that the beneficiaries would be provided with access to funding, agricultural tools, and structured market linkages to support their productivity and long-term success. The governor also highlighted that the land allocation is part of broader migration reforms by his administration, including the establishment of the Oyo State Office of Migration and Homeland Security the first of its kind in Nigeria. The office is responsible for managing migration policies, coordinating returnee programmes, and preventing unsafe migration through public education and local interventions. In his remarks, the Federal Commissioner of the NCFRMI, Tijani Ahmed, commended the Oyo State Government for demonstrating leadership in migration management. He said the project aligns with the National Migration Policy and is a critical step toward reintegrating returnees and addressing the root causes of irregular migration. The state has also inaugurated a reintegration committee tasked with implementing and monitoring the programme across all 33 local government areas. The committee will work with community stakeholders to raise awareness, prevent human trafficking, and ensure smooth reintegration of returnees. The Makinde administration reiterated its commitment to tackling youth unemployment and insecurity by investing in economic empowerment, agriculture, and local development. The governor maintained that by addressing the push factors of irregular migration, the state is building a future that allows young people to thrive at home rather than risking their lives abroad.
