Ene Obi, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, said that the group has trained and empowered over 2,000 youth in Edo State. This number includes returned and potential migrants and covers the last three years.
Obi made the announcement in Benin at the conclusion of the Migration II Project. The event also included the distribution of a starter bundle for the participants of its empowerment plan, named “Dare to Hope.” It was held in collaboration with Ideal Development and Resource Centre and Kairos Youth Empowerment Initiatives.
Among the items distributed are 36 industrial sewing machines, seven generators, two hairdressing sets, and three DI machines.
The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) is funding the initiative. However it is being carried out by ActionAid Italy and ActionAid Nigeria.
Hajiya Suwaiba Muhammed Dankabo, ActionAid Programme Director, said the programme, which began in 2019, was meant to promote alternatives to irregular migration via socioeconomic empowerment of youth aged 18 to 35.
She stated that the initiative was being carried out in collaboration with local partners in Auchi, Etsako West, Uromi, Esan Central, and Benin, Oredo local government areas of Edo State.
Obi thanked the Edo State government, the First Lady’s office, and local partners for their assistance and contributions during the project’s execution in the state.
cc: Daily Trust Ng
