IOM launches migration competition for young Africans

Accra, Dec. 16, GNA - The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has launched a migration competition to engage young people on migration issues as part of strategies to reduce irregular migration among young people in West Africa.

The competition, dubbed: “Make it Happen in Africa,” aims at promoting and highlighting local and regional opportunities for the West African youth.

Madam Sylvia Lopez-Ekra, the Country Director of IOM–Ghana, Benin and Togo, made this known when the Media Alliance for Migration (MAM), a network of young media professionals championing the cause of migration, and Media Response, paid a courtesy call on her in her office.

The competition opened on November 23 and expected to close on December 27, this year. It would receive submissions from youth in Ghana, Niger and Senegal.

Contestants are to visit the Facebook page of IOM Regional Office, West and Central Africa, to upload a photo, drawing, video or a song that they think represented new opportunities, innovative or creative ideas for the future of African youth.

They would also have to share the entry with friends and gain more likes for a possibility of winning a laptop, a mobile phone or a camcorder in early part of January, next year, when winners would be announced.

Madam Lopez-Ekra said IOM had opened a Migration Information Centre in Sunyani, the Brong Ahafo Regional Capital, for young people to access information on migration.

She said the tendency for young people to find out more was an inevitable characteristic, which inspired them to explore adding; “There is the need to find ways to manage their curiosity.”

She said the number of young detainees who were recently brought from Libya by the IOM was an indication of youthful exuberance and curiosity.

Mr Abubakari Seidu Ajarfour, the Interim President of MAM, pledged the network’s support to reducing the irregular migration among Ghanaians, especially the youth.

Mr Samuel Dodoo, the Executive Director of Media Response, said the organisation was ready to support the network to fight irregular migration.

GNA

Read Full Story