Ronald D. Kayanja

IOM Nigeria @ 25 Highlights📸 Together with government counterparts, donors, partners, and communities, we reflected on a journey marked by impact, innovation, and partnerships. We celebrated the legacy built over the past 25 years, one defined by lives transformed, communities strengthened, and opportunities created for people across Nigeria. Relive the moments that marked a milestone and launched a bold vision for the future👇 #IOMNigeria25 #25Years25Lives

Yesterday, IOM, together with partners, handed over essential Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) supplies to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Abuja to support Nigeria’s preparedness and response to Ebola (BVD). Supported by the US GHSD project, the donation includes face masks, gloves, thermometers, hand sanitiser dispensers and other critical supplies. We continue to work closely with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) to strengthen national health security.

Most people hear migration and think security or humanitarian crisis. IOM Nigeria Chief of Mission Sharon Dimanche @DimancheSh sees it differently. "We hear migration and we think security, humanitarian, displacement," she said. "But what we are focused on is how we can use migration to drive development." That matters a lot for Nigeria. Sixty percent of the country's population are young people according to the National Population Commission (NPC). If we get collaboration right, mobility can be an engine for growth, not just a challenge to manage. What do you think? How do we make that shift happen?

In a special video message marking the milestone, His Excellency, Senator @officialSKSM, GCON, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, congratulated IOM on 25 years of service and partnership with Nigeria, recognising its contributions to supporting displaced communities, protecting vulnerable populations and promoting safe and regular migration. Watch the video here 👇

“Because when mobility opens doors, opportunity enters. When opportunity reaches people, resilience grows. And when people are resilient, a nation can face the future with hope.” — @DimancheSh, IOM Nigeria Chief of Mission, at the IOM at 25 celebration. #IOMNigeria25 #25Years25Lives

With one of the world's youngest populations and a thriving entrepreneurial spirit, Nigeria's future is full of potential. “For a country as young, entrepreneurial, and influential as Nigeria, harnessing mobility effectively may be one of the most important determinants of future prosperity.” - @ElsieAttafuah, Resident Representative, UNDP Nigeria, at the IOM at 25 celebration. #IOMNigeria25 #25Years25Lives

Sustainable reintegration goes beyond return. It is about ensuring people have the support, opportunities, and dignity they need to rebuild their lives. “The critical question is not how we bring our people back home; it is what happens to them after they arrive.” — Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, @DrBernardDoro, at the IOM at 25 celebration. #IOMNigeria25 #25Years25Lives

Our Regional Director, @LopezEkra met with Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, @DrBernardDoro, to discuss strengthening collaboration on humanitarian response, durable solutions for internally displaced persons and returnees, and moving from palliatives to sustainable pathways out of poverty. Discussions focused on the importance of stronger coordination between humanitarian action, social protection, development and peacebuilding, with government leadership at the centre. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to working together to build resilience, create jobs and provide lasting opportunities for vulnerable communities across Nigeria.

Yesterday, we connected donors live to seven locations across northern Nigeria, offering a firsthand look at IOM’s work in some of the most challenging and hard-to-reach areas. From humanitarian response to peacebuilding and durable solutions, the virtual visit brought together colleagues on the ground and our donor partners for meaningful conversations on the challenges, progress, and opportunities ahead. A valuable opportunity to bring the realities from the field directly to our partners and strengthen our shared commitment to communities in need.