The General Manager of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA), Prince (Dr.) Ifalade Oyekan, has encouraged Nigerian returnees to embrace hope, resilience and self-reliance as they rebuild their lives following their repatriation.
Oyekan gave the charge while delivering a goodwill message at a reintegration workshop organised by Co-Create NGO for Nigerian returnees from Lagos and Ogun states.
Addressing participants, he urged the returnees to see their return to Nigeria not as a setback but as an opportunity to begin afresh by embracing productive ventures and contributing positively to society.
He encouraged them to take advantage of available opportunities by acquiring vocational skills, pursuing legitimate sources of income and becoming active contributors to national development.
According to the LNSA General Manager, perseverance, discipline and integrity remain essential ingredients for success. He advised the participants to avoid crime, negative influences and other activities that could jeopardise their future.
Oyekan also commended Co-Create NGO for its commitment to supporting the rehabilitation and reintegration of returnees, describing the initiative as an important step towards restoring dignity, promoting self-reliance and strengthening community development.
He reaffirmed the commitment of government institutions and other stakeholders to supporting programmes that empower vulnerable citizens and create sustainable opportunities for economic and social inclusion.
The workshop featured presentations by Dr. Sarah Adeyinka, Senior Lecturer at the University of Amsterdam and Principal Investigator of the Stronger Futures Project, as well as Mr. Xander De Valkeneer, a legal practitioner and member of Co-Create NGO’s Advisory Board.
Participants also received training on psychosocial support, entrepreneurship, vocational skills development and community reintegration, equipping them with practical knowledge and tools to support their successful reintegration into society.
