Yemisi Izuora
The Journalists International Forum For Migration (JIFORM) has
released a comprehensive report on its recently concluded online
summit with a call to the African leaders to change the tide of
irregular migration from the continent to other nations through
economic reactivation.
The three-day event with the theme: Migration; Post Covid-19 Era: The
Role of stakeholders was the second edition of the virtual engagement
organized by the body to update its over 150 members across the
continents reporting migration and championing advocacy against
irregular migration, human, trafficking and crisis leading to the
internal displacement of citizens in nations.
Participants at event included International Organistion for Migration
(IOM), Gambia, Shingirai Vambe, Journalist and the Publisher of The
Post on Sunday, Zimbabwe, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerians In
Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).
Others are former President, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr
Abdul-Waheed Odusile and Professor Kanu Ikechukwu Anthony, O.S.A, the
Rector of Villanova Polytechnic, Imesi-Ile, Osun State.
President/ Executive Detector of JIFORM, Ajibola Abayomi while sharing
details of the report in a statement, said “It has become imperative
to sensitise our members and the public on the implication of Covid-19
on the economy and migration and what should be done to safe guard
nations post the pandemic era.
“We are of the belief that the reality of the current situation should
humble especially the African continent to have a rethink on quality
governance. For years, the leadership on the continent have embraced
corruption as a way of life by abandoning investment in agriculture,
education, infrastructure, commerce and industry, health and social
security for the masses.
“While we are convinced that the pandemic days are numbered if all
health procedures and scientific steps are adopted, JIFORM salutes the
courage of health workers, the media and all organizations striving to
put the current situation under control.
“Thus, we are demanding that journalist should be list among the
frontliners at his critical period and all necessary palliativese,
financial supports and insurance packages should be provided for
journalists and other volunteers covering the disease.”
The President of JIFORM added that it was expedient for many African
nations to stem the tide of irregular migration, by encouraging local
or home industrialization to provide jobs for the teaming youths and
lessen the dependency on foreign goods.
Other recommendations from the JIFORM summit are as follows:
- Nations should adopt inclusive approach to include provision for
the health care for migrants irrespective of their status whether
regular or irregular.
- Nations should avoid the stigmatization of migrants as carriers of
the disease.
- Governments in Africa especially in Nigeria should ensure timely
evacuation of citizens that had expressed the desire to return home
during the current pandemic irrespective of their migrants’ status.
- Nations should go beyond lip service to agriculture development and
evolve policies and schemes that would encourage farmers to grow food
bank as alternative to importation of food, especially in Africa.
- Employers should explore possibility of employment terms
renegotiation with loyal and dedicated employees instead of
terminating their appointments. We must emphasize Employers’ loyalty
as this has great consequences on the future of every organization.