Benin City, 22 August 2024 -The International Organization for Migration (IOM) with support from the Kingdom of the Netherlands through its Cooperation on Migration and Partnerships to Achieve Sustainable Solutions (COMPASS) programme commissioned the handover of newly renovated classrooms and a solar powered borehole to the Uhi community as part of the Community Based Planning (CBP) initiative.

Launched as a call to action in November 2023 and piloted among the Uhi community of Uhunmwode LGA in Edo state, the CBP initiative was established to empower communities to actively address key drivers of irregular migration. 50 community members, including vulnerable socio-economic groups such as migrants and people living with disabilities were empowered to demand and actively participate in development interventions that affect their lives. The CBP’s intensive planning process inspired the Uhi community to develop a three-year Community Action Plan (2024-2027) that thoroughly expressed their needs and fits into the local government’s development plan.

The newly renovated classrooms will benefit around 100 students, inspiring them to excel in their studies and encouraging more children to pursue their education with renewed passion and enthusiasm. For a long time, members of Uhi community relied on rain and a distant stream for water. With this initiative, community members will no longer have to trek long distances in search of clean water.

“The support from IOM is so timely. Renovation of the classrooms at Uhi Grammar school and the drilling of water borehole are gifts that will transform the lives of our people, especially our children. IOM has given us hope and the opportunity for our young generation to thrive,” said Pa Osiagdie Odionware, Uhi community leader.

Lack of access to basic social amenities and local opportunities continue to be one of the major drivers of irregular migration and trafficking in persons in Nigeria. Most returned migrants, particularly those from rural communities have highlighted harsh economic realities and the lack of basic amenities such as access to potable drinking water and educational facilities as push factors for migration. The absence of these amenities exposes communities to traffickers who exploit vulnerable people and distort the reality of life abroad.

“Witnessing today’s handover of two community projects is a true testament to the pivotal role local communities play in addressing irregular migration. Their involvement right from the consultation stage promotes a sense of ownership and commitment to communal development,” said Cyprine Cheptepkeny, IOM Awareness Raising Officer during the official handover ceremony of two community projects under the COMPASS programme.

This remarkable milestone achieved under the CBP initiative reinforces the importance of multistakeholder collaboration and government-led/targeted interventions toward strengthening communities' efforts for sustainable development following a holistic approach. Going forward, IOM remains committed to building on these achievements and expanding the scope of the CBP initiative for greater impact and sustainability.

For more information on the project visit https://www.iom.int/compass

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For more information, please contact Francois-Xavier Ada, Public Information Officer. Email: fadaaffana@iom.int