The General Manager of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA), Prince (Dr.) Ifalade Oyekan, has urged Nigerian returnees to embrace hope, resilience, and self-reliance as they rebuild their lives following their repatriation.
Oyekan made the call while delivering a goodwill message at a reintegration workshop organised by Co-Create NGO for Nigerian returnees from Lagos and Ogun states.
Addressing the participants, he encouraged them to see their return not as a setback but as an opportunity for a fresh start.
He urged them to take advantage of available opportunities by acquiring vocational skills, pursuing legitimate means of livelihood, and contributing meaningfully to their communities and national development.
The LNSA General Manager stressed that perseverance, discipline, and integrity remain essential for success, advising the returnees to avoid crime, negative influences, and other activities that could jeopardise their future.
He also commended Co-Create NGO for its commitment to the rehabilitation and reintegration of returnees, describing the initiative as a significant step towards restoring dignity, promoting self-reliance, and fostering sustainable community development.
Oyekan reaffirmed the commitment of government institutions and relevant stakeholders to supporting programmes that empower vulnerable citizens and create opportunities for productive living.
The workshop featured presentations by Dr. Sarah Adeyinka, Senior Lecturer at the University of Amsterdam and Principal Investigator of the Stronger Futures Project, and Mr. Xander De Valkeneer, legal practitioner and Advisory Board Member of Co-Create NGO.
