Ist Anniversary: 261 Migrants benefit from IOM COMPASS project in Edo, Delta

BENIN CITY – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has said that 261 returned migrants were provided immidiate reintegration support under its Cooperation on Migration and Partnerships for Sustainable Solutions initiative (COMPASS) project in Edo and Delta States.

It has also provided 82 returnees with socio,-economic reintegration support and capacity building on victim centered approach for 109 law enforcement agencies, faith based organization and Civil Society Organization, according to the Head of Office, IOM, Benin City, Wintana Tarekegn

Speaking at an event IOM organised in Benin City to commemorate the first anniversary of the implementation of COMPASS, she said that IOM has trained over 20 agencies and faith based organisations, expressing hope of establishing income generating activities and as well activate activities for creating opportunities for returned migrants

She said that over 90 percent of returned migrants are exposed to different types exploitation.

At the event which had in attendance, various stakeholders, including, representatives of Non-Governmental Organisations and religious groups, returned migrants who have been supported by IOM expressed their creative initiative through painting.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands launched COMPASS at the beginning of 2021.

It is a global initiative, in partnership with 12 countries, designed to protect people on the move, combat human trafficking and smuggling and support dignified return while promoting sustainable reintegration.

The initiative is centred on a whole-of-society approach which, in addition to assisting individuals, will work across all levels, including households, communities, and the wider communities.

In Nigeria, the COMPASS project is being implemented in Edo, Delta, and Lagos States, with reintegration activities for returnees across States in Nigeria who are engaged in various businesses to support with successful reintegration in their communities.