THE Blacks Ancestral Native Communities (BANC) Foundation is set to unveil a comprehensive action plan on September 19, aimed at addressing the surge in irregular migration affecting Nigeria and other African countries.
The initiative will be launched during the Anti-Irregular Migration Summit (AiMS) in Abuja, Nigeria.
Dr Chibuzor E. Onyema, President and CEO of the BANC Foundation, announced the details at a press conference in Abuja.
The summit, with the theme, ‘The Japa Conundrum: Comprehensive Strategies for Addressing the Irregular Migration Crisis,’ will gather key stakeholders including government officials, youth representatives, international organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), researchers and community leaders to develop actionable strategies for combating irregular migration.
Prominent figures, such as Professor PLO Lumumba, will deliver the keynote address, while other notable speakers include Dr Anthony Chibo-Christopher, His Excellency Mohsen Antit, Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia and His Imperial Majesty, Professor Fuankeng Achankeng. They will provide expert insights into the complex issues surrounding irregular migration.
The summit aims to identify the socioeconomic, political and environmental factors driving irregular migration, formulate effective policies to counteract it and promote collaboration among countries and organisations.
Key focus areas will include raising public awareness, promoting legal migration channels and addressing development needs in origin countries to mitigate migration pressures.
Discussions will cover economic drivers, political instability and environmental factors contributing to migration.
The summit will feature talks on economic development, legal reforms and human rights, presenting practical strategies and highlighting successful global initiatives that have addressed migration challenges. Collaborative sessions will work towards developing a comprehensive action plan.
A major outcome of the summit will be the launch of the Irregular Migration Skills Acquisition and Resources Centre (IMMSaRC), designed to provide hands-on training for youth, bridge educational gaps and offer employment opportunities. The centre will also facilitate meaningful labour exchange between Africa and Western countries.
Additionally, AiMS is expected to deepen understanding of the root causes and consequences of irregular migration, generate policy recommendations and strengthen partnerships among participating entities. The summit will also emphasise public awareness and promote sustainable solutions to address the factors driving irregular migration.
Organised by the BANC Foundation, a Pan-African initiative dedicated to empowering Africans and the global black community, the summit will take place at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Conference Centre in Abuja.
The event will also feature the unveiling of a new book by BANC’s founder, titled, ‘The Japa Conundrum: Socio-Economic and Psychological Considerations,’ adding further depth to the discussions on migration issues.
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