The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) has introduced the Miss Migration Pageantry initiative to champion advocacy on trafficking and irregular migration.
The Federal Commissioner, NCFRMI, Alhaji Tijani Ahmed said the initiative, which is in collaboration with Luxury Humanitarian Foundation, is designed to address migration challenges.
Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Foundation in Abuja, Ahmed said the platform would be used for advocacy and empowerment.
He said the platform would be used to empower young Nigerians, especially women, to serve as ambassadors of hope in their various communities in the area of migration awareness.
Ahmed disclosed that Miss Migration Pageantry will be a side event, during the second thematic meeting of the Rabat process slated to hold in Lagos on November 4.
According to him, the partnership is not just about beauty contest, but a transformational empowerment platform initiated to project migration as a positive venture that requires the support of every critical stakeholder.
“Miss Migration Pageantry is no doubt, a platform for advocacy, awareness creation and public education.
“We expect Miss Migration to become a strong voice against irregular migration, educating our young people on its dangers.
“The pageant will also showcase the opportunities inherent through safe and regular migration pathways,” he said.
The federal Commissioner called on stakeholders to support the initiative.
“Together, we can give our youth a platform to shine while steering them away from dangerous and irregular migration routes.
“We believe this initiative will complement the Commission’s work in return, readmission, and reintegration, while also supporting national and international commitments to safe, orderly, and dignified migration,” he added.
Earlier, the Executive Director of the Foundation, Dr Edidiong Udoidiong said that through the Miss Migration Crown, they are addressing a major challenge in the nation.
“We are placing a mandate in the hands of a young woman who would serve as an ambassador for safe migration, a voice for the displaced, and a face of hope to those who have none,” he said.
Udoidiong disclosed that the foundation would take the message of safe and legal migration to schools, communities, and online platforms nationwide.
He added that the foundation would carry out skills and empowerment programmes, equipping vulnerable women and youth with training that will keep them from falling prey to traffickers.
Udoidiong urged the media to share stories that do not just stir pity, but inspire responsibility and action (NAN)
