The Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, has disclosed that the agency has trained 450 returned migrants in Edo, Lagos States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on various trade.
He disclosed this yesterday at a business brunch meeting with 25 entrepreneurs on migration and economic inclusion in Edo State through ActionAid RECONNECT project in collaboration with GIZ in Edo state.
He explained that the meeting with was designed to linking the trainees to private entrepreneur organisations to further engaged them for mentorship and job placement.
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Mamedu listed the various skills acquisition program to include fashion and design, cattery services, hair dress among others.
‘We have trained 150 returned migrants in this first face of the programme in Edo and in the three states we have trained 400. The second phase soon will star soon’ he said
‘We have been listening to CEO of these entrepreneurs telling us what they expect and expected challenges and how Actionaid and government could collaborate with them,’ he said.
He disclosed the entrepreneurs have agreed to take between two or three, or five person for mentorship and job placement.
He noted that as part of Corporate Social Responsibility, such collaboration can reduce irregular migration, improve the livelihood and economy of the returned migrants, returnees and other citizens of the state.
Earlier, GIZ representative, Eseosa Okuku, said one of the RECONNET programme component was to provide reintegration support for returned migrant as well integration support for the vulnerable groups in Nigeria.
She said GIZ has agreement with ActionAid to implement the RECONNET program and provide capacity development for CSO partners as well as providing situation support for returned migrant and vulnerable group.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary State Ministry of Business, Trade and Cooperatives, Barr. Felicia Edokpolor, assured of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s support and partnership in the training of returned migrant
She said working with partners such as ActionAid Nigeria, International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and GIZ, the state government has continues to strengthen institutional frame work that support the rehabilitation and integration of returned migrants and vulnerable population.