LIBYA RETURNEES: Edo State Government strengthens ties with IOM to site Pineapple juice at Iguobazuwa

Edo State Government in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Nigeria, is to set up a pineapple juice industry at Iguobazuwa, the Ovia South West Headquarters, in a bid to empowering some Libya returnees from the state.

The decision was reached at a stakeholders meeting attended by Senior Special Assistant to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Anti Human Trafficking and Illegal Migration Issues, Solomon Okoduwa, the IOM team and the Coordinator, Society for Young Persons, Jennifer Ero as well as stakeholders in the community, where they reached a consensus to set up a Pineapple juice industry at Iguobazuwa.

The entire Ovia South West local government area is known for its rich pineapple cultivation.

The Odionwere of the community, Pa Sunday Erhunmwunse Omokaro satisfied with terms of his guests, immediately ordered the community's Allotment Committee to provide four plots of land to site the industry.

Similarly, a 12 man steering committee members will be inaugurated in the next few days to draw out plans on the immediate commencement of the project.

Speaking to reporters shortly after assessing plots of land allocated by the community, the IOM Migration Protection Specialist who led the team to the state, John McGeoghan commended both the state government and the locals for their cooperations.

McGeoghan said their intervention is to ensure issues bothering on illegal migration are stamped out in the country particularly in the state.

Okoduwa particularly commended IOM for its laudable Initiative and thanked Governor Godwin Obaseki for creating the enabling environment for the investors.

He urged the people to protect the industry when established.

The SSA, Anti Human Trafficking and Illegal Migration stated that the state government is not resting on its oars to ensure returnees are given befitting reintegration and empowerment.

"The exodus deportation of Nigerian youths from Libya with Edo taking the lead is a serious concern for Governor Obaseki. He's making sure as they return home they are empowered in one way or the other to avoid crisis in the state.

There are various ongoing programmes by this government aimed at empowering the deported Nigerian youths from Libya. Over 500 returnees are currently undergoing training for various skills to ensure they get something doing. Both federal government and international agencies are commending the state government for the steps taken so far to alleviate the suffering of the returnees.

Okoduwa noted that the governor has the youths at heart, urging the people to be patient and cooperate with the government.

On her part, Jennifer Ero said reintegration of the returned migrants cannot be done by government or international agencies alone, but rather "all hands must be on deck to rehabilitate them. As NGOs we'll continue to play our part."