NSUK ISDEVCOM Holds 6th International Conference, Urges Media to Stop Criminalizing Regular Migration
By Roseline Okafor, Nasarawa State.
The Institute of Strategic and Development Communication, Nasarawa State University Keffi, has organized an international conference on development and communication in Africa.
The conference, themed “Japa: Communicating Migration, Diaspora, and Africa’s Development,” was attended by media professionals from across the country.
Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), called on media outlets to stop criminalizing regular migration, popularly known as “Japa.”
Represented by Engr. Sule Bassi, Secretary of NIDCOM, Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the need for open and honest conversations about the opportunities and challenges of migration.
“We must first of all identify and agree that migration is a fundamental human right issue. Regular migration, therefore should not be criminalized in anyway whatsoever,” she said.
She cautioned against criminalizing all Nigerians in the diaspora due to the unscrupulous activities of a few individuals. Dabiri-Erewa described the conference theme as apt and of great importance to Africans, highlighting the need to build stronger connections between the diaspora and the continent.
Professor Saadatu Liman, Vice Chancellor of NSUK, also acknowledged the timeliness and importance of the conference theme.
“It also offer unique opportunities. Our diaspora communities are a powerful force for development, contributing remittances, knowledge transfer and investment. The question before us is how do we shape migration narratives that empower rather than weaken Africa?
She noted that migration presents undeniable challenges, including brain drain, loss of talent, and socioeconomic disparities.
In his welcome address, Professor Emmanuel Dandaura, Executive Director of ISDEVCOM, explained that the conference aimed to create a platform for conversations on the positive and negative aspects of migration.
“if you look at what comes in from Nigerians in the diaspora who are doing legitimate business and supporting legitimate professions across the globe, it is one of our main sources of revenue especially foreign in flow to this country”.
He emphasized the need to come up with policy recommendations and interventions to address the challenges associated with migration.
