More about Mogration Aware

[Bamgbose JohnOludayo]

About 18 months ago, a campaign was launched here in the ancient city of Ibadan- the largest city in the sub Saharan Africa. This campaign went with excitement round Ibadan: on air and on the streets, even the academia was in the campaign. The town and gown were converged at a round table. The government as well could not shy away from the reality. Interestingly, the language was so succinct and clear that even the market women at Gbagi could comprehend-  the basic information a migrant must have if he/she intends to travel... So many of us, particularly, participants  drawn from Nigeria's premier University- the  University of Ibadan and the neighbouring Polytechnic of Ibadan were so curious to know what opportunity the programme would offer us. I was particularly delighted by the methods used by the CAFSO the organiser of the campaign ( through the support of the European Commission). I ensured i did not miss any part of the event. As a matter of fact, i was an active member of the self multiplying group in the University of Ibadan, where we also had our own local campaigns ( with the support of CAFSO). My interest was on the rights of migrants, especially the irregular migrants. Not knowing what the future would hold for me. Just few months after the end of the programme, in May 2011, i was to represent my University at the United kingdom. I had some difficulties at the Heathrow airport. What readily came to my mind were the rights which a lawful migrant should have. I was quick to assert these rights. Although, i was held for about five hours, i was allowed to gain entry. Regrettably, about four other migrants were asked to return back to their home countries( reasons which i do not know). I probably would have been a victim had i not known my rights, courtesy of this empowerment initiative of CAFSO through the generous support of their donor-European Commission. A visit to several embassies and High Commissions will show the desperation of many Nigerians to want to leave Nigeria. Perhaps for every person who makes an application to an Embassy, there are over four of such trying to travel by either by road or through the sea. This campaign MUST therefore not end here. This initiative should muster more supports from donors while the self-multiplying group should through coordinated activities extend the lessons from the Migration Aware to the nooks and crannies of the state. Certainly, our world can be a better place than how it is if we learn to respect the rights of others. Thank you. BAMGBOSE, Oludayo John, Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. +2348033505916