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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
In a bid to safeguard Oyo State from criminal activities and enhance the economic prosperity of the people, Governor Seyi Makinde has created an Office of Migration and Homeland Security.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Migration and Homeland Security, Mr Segun Adegoke, disclosed this on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, in Ibadan.
Adegoke, a retired Assistant Controller of Immigration was received by the state executive led by the Chairman, Chief Ademola Babalola.
The Office of the Special Adviser, Migration and Homeland Security was established by the governor in 2022.
The newly created office aims to provide professional service towards managing the inflow and outflow of people and products in the state.
Adegoke said that the vision of the governor was to ensure sustainable development, adequate security and economic growth in the state as contained in his Omituntun 2.0 agenda.
He said that the effort of the governor would foster synergy with critical stakeholders towards provision of database for the state.
The Special Adviser said that the office would serve as a one-stop shop, especially for diaspora indigenes to make the state attractive for investment.
“It will preserve and uphold the state’s prosperity and economic security. Take proactive rather than retroactive actions, by building information sharing partnership with the grassroots and other security agencies.
“Prepare for and protect the state against security threats and other hazards such as natural or man-made disasters, as well as public health emergencies.
“It will serve as liaison with Oyo state indigenes, home and diaspora, to access economic opportunities for the development of the state through tourism and foreign direct investment,” he said.
Adegoke further explained that the office will assist the government to regulate mining and other mineral exploitation activities in the state.
He said that such would be done through strict implementation of the relevant provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007.
The governor’s noted that the office will aslo liaise with foreign embassies and high commissions in Nigeria to promote
regular migrations, while harnessing opportunities for indigenes of Oyo State.
Adegoke said that the effort would
ensure environmental security and the need for Oyo State environmental sustainability criteria, adding that that the office would establish Oyo State Advisory Committee on Nigerian Citizenship for security and increase the internally generated revenue of the state.
Adegoke said that such would be achieved through the processing of application and payment for Citizenship by naturalisation, Special Immigration Status (SIS) by foreigners resident in the state.
He also noted that the office would be able to
expand opportunities for indigenes of the state through African Continental Trade Area (AfCTA) which has potential to increase employment opportunities and incomes.
“Trade involves movement of persons and goods. The introduction of the ‘African passport’ by African Union, with its attendant benefits, which will eventually be adopted by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“Oyo State should cue into the processes of the implementation of the AfCTA, with the Office of Migration and Homeland Security as the driving force,” he said.
Adegoke sought the partnership of the media towards creating awareness and enlightening the public on the benefits accruable to the state through the newly created office.
The governor’s aide assured the people of effective and efficient service delivery, saying technical and professional services would be explored for optimal job performance.
Responding, Babalola assured of the union’s readiness to be a partner in the progress of the newly created office.
He lauded the initiative of the governor for creating the office, saying the appointment of Adegoke to coordinate the office was highly commendable.
The state NUJ chairman called on people and other critical stakeholders to support the governor in achieving the set goals behind the initiative.
