Eureka Learners Foundation at Oyo State Reintegration Committee Capacity Building Workshop

From 16th to 19th September 2025, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM),  convened a four-day Capacity Building Workshop for the Oyo State Reintegration Committee at Kakanfo Hotel, Ibadan.

Eureka Learners Foundation (ELF), represented by Co-Founder Ako Eyo Oku, who also serves as a member of the Reintegration Committee, joined other stakeholders in this important gathering. The workshop brought together federal and state actors, civil society, and community-based organizations working to support returnees and strengthen migration governance in Oyo State.

Key Highlights and Learnings

The sessions were structured around strengthening an **integrated approach to reintegration**, raising awareness on the dangers of irregular migration, and building collective capacity to better serve returnees. Some of the most impactful sessions included:

Day 1: Understanding Nigeria’s migration governance structure, the AVRR framework, and the importance of counseling and planning for economic and social reintegration.

Day 2: Exploring community-based reintegration approaches and building awareness on the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA)—emphasizing accountability and survivor support.

Day 3: Deep dives into child protection, case management, and mental health/psychosocial support (MHPSS), with practical sessions on self-care and effective listening for frontline workers.

Day 4: Strengthening skills in advocacy and communication for development (C4D), including policy influence, message framing, and digital advocacy for social cohesion and stigma reduction.

ELF’s Reflections

For Eureka Learners Foundation, participation in this workshop was both enlightening and inspiring. The emphasis on community-driven solutions aligns with our own mission of empowering young people and vulnerable groups to become active agents in their own reintegration journeys.

We especially valued the sessions on mental health support and advocacy communication, as these are areas we believe can significantly enhance our work with returnees and at-risk communities. The interactive nature of the workshop also created opportunities for cross-learning with other members of the Reintegration Committee, strengthening collaboration for more sustainable outcomes.

Looking Ahead 

As part of the Reintegration Committee, Eureka Learners Foundation remains committed to advancing the goals of safe, dignified, and sustainable reintegration. We will continue to apply the knowledge gained from this capacity-building workshop in our programs and advocacy efforts, ensuring that returnees are not only supported to rebuild their lives but also empowered to thrive within their communities.

We extend our appreciation to NCFRMI and IOM for convening this timely workshop and to fellow committee members for their dedication to improving migration governance in Oyo State.

Together, we can make reintegration work—not just as a policy framework, but as a lived reality for those who need it most.