In a progressive step toward tackling the growing challenge of irregular migration among Nigerian youths, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a United Nations agency, paid a strategic visit to the NASFAT Secretariat in Ilupeju, Lagos, on Tuesday, May 14, 2025. The visit was aimed at strengthening ties with Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT) to promote safe, informed, and regular migration pathways, especially among women and young people, while addressing the alarming ‘Japa Syndrome’ trend.
Leading the IOM delegation were Cypine Chieptepkey and Adeyemi Fatimo, who met with NASFAT’s National General Secretary, Mr. Fatai Olayemi, Administrative Manager, Adesola Mufutau Bamidele, and Head of Accounts, Mrs. Lawal Bilikis. The visit built on prior engagements and sought to explore collaborative strategies in sensitizing the public on the risks of irregular migration and equipping communities with faith-aligned, culturally-relevant awareness tools.
The IOM team emphasized the importance of co-creating content that resonates with local communities, taking into account language, faith, and demographic needs. Offices of IOM across Nigeria—including in Abuja, Lagos, Maiduguri, Benue, Katsina, and Benin—facilitate global migration processes, often acting as referral points for embassies of countries like the UK, Canada, the US, and New Zealand. This makes their collaboration with NASFAT vital in ensuring the right information reaches the grassroots.
Highlights of the meeting included discussions on hosting physical and virtual training sessions, providing souvenirs for participants, and developing migration education materials. The upcoming NASFAT Youth Conference in Badagry—a community susceptible to irregular migration—was identified as a prime platform for IOM’s impactful presence. There was also a commitment to engage NASFAT youth and women wings through future online briefings and workshops.
NASFAT stands to gain tremendously from the partnership, with benefits including access to verified migration information, referral services through Nigeria’s Migrant Resource Centre, and free employability skills training for youth. This initiative reinforces NASFAT’s ongoing mission to provide holistic empowerment through spiritual, educational, and socio-economic development.
In closing, IOM presented NASFAT officials with branded souvenirs, while NASFAT reciprocated with UK Conference bags. NASFAT’s President, Alhaji Ayodeji AbdulWahid AbdulRauf, lauded the collaboration as “divinely strategic,” while Chief Missioner, Imam Maroofdeen AbdulAzeez Onike, offered prayers and praised the effort to protect and guide Nigerian youth with faith-based wisdom. The meeting ended with mutual gratitude and a renewed spirit of collaboration.
Alhaji Shamsideen Owolabi Oseni
National Public Relations Secretary,
Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society.
