The Adolescent Health Information Project (AHIP), in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has inaugurated a Technical Working Group (TWG) for the Resilient Opportunities for Outreach, Trade, and Sustainability (ROOTS) project in Kano State.
The committee brings together key stakeholders, including representatives from the National Human Rights Commission, NSCDC, NCFRMI,NAPTIP,NOA and the Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs, Agric,among others.
Its mandate is to provide coordinated technical oversight, policy alignment, and multi-stakeholder guidance to ensure the effective implementation of the ROOTS project.
In her opening remarks, AHIP Executive Director Dr. Mairo Bello highlighted the critical role stakeholders play in mitigating illegal migration, especially in Northern Nigeria, where Kano faces interlinked challenges of climate change, gender inequality, and irregular migration.
She explained that under the ROOTS project, illegal migrants will be reintegrated and empowered through climate-resilient programs, including training in agribusiness and climate-smart farming to foster self-reliance.
Dr. Bello urged TWG members to contribute their expertise and experience toward ending illegal migration in the region.
In a presentation titled “Overview of the ROOTS Project”, AHIP Project Manager Alhaji Usman Bello outlined the initiative’s objectives, which include strengthening climate resilience, inclusive livelihoods, and safe migration outcomes for women, youth, returnees, and small-scale cross-border traders in Kano.
He noted that the project aims to:
Increase agricultural resilience and inclusive livelihood opportunities for vulnerable communities.
Boost economic inclusion and reduce migration-related risks among youth through sustainable empowerment initiatives.
Enhance governance, coordination, and institutional capacity of state and non-state actors for effective migration management and livelihood support.
The project targets approximately 120,000 community members through indirect engagement and about 12,000 direct beneficiaries, including women, returnee migrants, IDPs, youth, CSOs, policymakers, private sector actors, and media practitioners.
During the inauguration, committee members shared insights to ensure the successful implementation of the ROOTS project and sought clarification on areas requiring further technical guidance.
Paradigm News reports that AHIP is implementing the ROOTS Project in Kano State through the International Organization for Migration (IOM),funded by the European Union’s Support to Free Movement of Persons and Migration in West Africa – Phase II (FMM West Africa II) program.