YERP: Oyo, ICMPD Advance Sustainable Reintegration, Rural Youth Development Through Agriculture.

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment, agricultural transformation, and sustainable development through a strategic partnership with the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and other key stakeholders in the implementation of the Youth Empowerment and Reintegration Project (YERP).

The project is aimed at addressing youth unemployment, supporting the sustainable reintegration of returnees, and creating economic opportunities through agriculture as a means of strengthening rural communities and promoting inclusive development across the state.

Speaking at the ongoing three-day Reintegration Committee/Stakeholders Consultation on Youth Empowerment and Reintegration Project (YERP), held at Golden Tulip Hotel, Ibadan, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, described the initiative as a significant step towards addressing youth unemployment, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and strengthening agricultural development in rural communities.

He explained that agriculture remains a key driver of economic growth and rural development, stressing that equipping young people with relevant skills, resources, and opportunities would not only improve their livelihoods but also contribute significantly to food security and community development.

Barrister Olaleye further stated that the Oyo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, has continued to prioritise youth empowerment, agricultural transformation, and initiatives that provide sustainable economic opportunities for citizens.

Olasunkanmi expressed optimism that YERP would complement existing government efforts by equipping youths and returnees with the necessary support to become productive contributors to the agricultural value chain.

He however, commended the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), the Government of Denmark, and other stakeholders for their support, noting that the project aligns with the Oyo State Government’s vision of creating opportunities for young people and enhancing economic empowerment through agriculture.

In his remarks, the Project Manager, Youth Empowerment and Reintegration Project (YERP) at the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), Mr. Tunde Omoyeni, said the project was designed to address youth unemployment, support the sustainable reintegration of returnees, and tackle the underlying drivers of irregular migration.

Mr. Omoyeni explained that YERP would create sustainable livelihood opportunities through agriculture by providing young people and returnees with access to land, climate-smart agricultural training, cooperative development, market linkages, and other livelihood support interventions.

He noted that the project goes beyond reintegration by generating evidence through research to inform improved policies and programmes on youth empowerment and migration management, stressing that the success of the initiative depends on strong collaboration among government institutions, communities, civil society organisations, development partners, and other stakeholders.

In his remarks, the South West Zonal Coordinator, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Mr. Alex Oturu, commended the partnership among the Oyo State Government, ICMPD, and other stakeholders in addressing migration challenges through sustainable solutions.

Mr. Oturu noted that sustainable reintegration of returnees extends beyond their return to communities, stressing the importance of economic empowerment, skills development, and access to productive opportunities that enable them to rebuild their lives.

He reaffirmed NCFRMI’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote safe, orderly, and regular migration while addressing the root causes of irregular migration through community-based interventions.

The Zonal Coordinator added that YERP would strengthen collaboration among government institutions, development partners, and communities in creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for youths and returnees.

The consultation brought together government officials, development partners, community representatives, youth groups, and other key stakeholders to deliberate on effective strategies for the successful implementation of the project in Ilero and Awe communities of Oyo State.

The engagement also featured discussions on baseline assessment and community mapping exercises in Ilero and Awe communities, with stakeholders contributing insights and local knowledge to guide effective project implementation