In a collaborative effort to support sustainable development, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), with backing from the Kingdom of the Netherlands under the Cooperation on Migration and Partnerships to Achieve Sustainable Solutions (COMPASS) programme, recently handed over newly renovated classrooms and a solar-powered borehole to the Uhi community in Edo State. This initiative, part of the Community Based Planning (CBP) project, aims to empower communities to address key factors driving irregular migration.
Launched in November 2023, the CBP initiative was piloted in the Uhi community of Uhunmwode Local Government Area. It was created to help local communities actively participate in development efforts and address the challenges they face. About 50 community members, including vulnerable groups like migrants and people with disabilities, were empowered to demand better services and engage in local development initiatives. Through this initiative, the Uhi community developed a three-year Community Action Plan (2024-2027) that aligns with the broader development goals of the local government.
The newly renovated classrooms will provide a better learning environment for approximately 100 students in the Uhi community. This enhancement is expected to boost their academic performance and encourage more children to attend school with a renewed sense of motivation. Before the installation of the solar-powered borehole, community members had to rely on rainwater or travel long distances to fetch water from a distant stream. The new borehole will provide a consistent and clean water supply, improving daily life and health for the community.
Pa Osiagdie Odionware, a leader in the Uhi community, expressed his gratitude for the support from IOM, stating, “The renovation of the classrooms at Uhi Grammar School and the drilling of the 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.”
In Nigeria, the lack of basic social amenities and economic opportunities is a major factor driving irregular migration and human trafficking. Many returned migrants, especially from rural areas, cite harsh economic conditions and a lack of essential services, such as access to clean water and educational facilities, as reasons for their migration. These deficiencies make communities vulnerable to traffickers who exploit their needs and present a distorted picture of life abroad.
During the handover ceremony, Cyprine Cheptepkeny, IOM Awareness Raising Officer, emphasized the importance of community involvement in development projects, saying, “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.”
The success of the CBP initiative highlights the importance of collaboration between stakeholders and targeted interventions by the government to support sustainable community development. The IOM remains committed to building on these achievements and plans to expand the CBP initiative’s scope to ensure a greater impact and sustainability for the communities involved.