The growing phenomenon of migration and its implications for Africa’s development will take center stage at the 6th International Conference on Development Communication.
This is coming as the Institute of Strategic and Development Communication (ISDEVCOM) at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) partners with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The event, themed “Japa: Communicating Migration, Diaspora, and Africa’s Development,” is set for March 27-28, 2025, at NSUK.
The term “Japa”—a Nigerian slang for emigration—has become synonymous with the increasing wave of young professionals and skilled workers leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad. This exodus has sparked concerns about its long-term effects on Nigeria’s development, prompting ISDEVCOM to initiate this critical dialogue.
During a strategic meeting in Abuja, an ISDEVCOM delegation led by Dr. Azubuike Erinugha engaged with NAN’s Managing Director, Malam Ali M. Ali, to formalize a partnership aimed at amplifying the conference’s message. Dr. Erinugha emphasized the media’s crucial role in shaping public discourse on migration.
“This is more than just a conference—it’s a national conversation,” Dr. Erinugha said. “We need NAN’s expansive network to ensure that this dialogue reaches every corner of Nigeria and resonates across the African continent. Migration isn’t just a statistic; it’s a story that affects families, communities, and the future of our nation.”
He called on NAN to facilitate wide dissemination of conference materials to media houses nationwide, ensuring that discussions extend beyond academia into public policy and everyday life.
ISDEVCOM’s Legal Adviser and Special Assistant to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State on Grassroots Mobilisation, Barr. Ephraim Okon, Ph.D., highlighted the institute’s commitment to strategic communication.
“Migration is often framed as a crisis, but it’s also an opportunity,” Okon noted. “ISDEVCOM exists to ensure that development interventions are inclusive, collaborative, and effectively communicated to the people who need them most. This conference is an essential platform for reframing the narrative around migration, focusing on both the challenges and the opportunities it presents for Africa’s growth.”
Okon stressed that poor communication often leads to a disconnect between development initiatives and the communities they aim to serve. “If people don’t understand or feel ownership of development programs, those programs will fail. This is why communicating development is as important as the development itself,” he said.
Registrar of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Chief Uzoma Onyegbadue, underscored the urgency of addressing the country’s escalating brain drain.
“We are at a tipping point,” Onyegbadue warned. “Nigeria is losing its best minds—doctors, engineers, IT professionals—to countries that offer better opportunities. While migration has always been a part of human history, the scale we are witnessing today threatens the future of our nation’s development. This conference provides a unique space to tackle these issues head-on.”
He further emphasized the need for actionable solutions, not just theoretical discussions, stating that “we must move from diagnosing the problem to creating policies that retain talent and make Nigeria a place where people want to stay and contribute.”
The conference will also recognize individuals whose humanitarian efforts have had a profound impact on Nigerians at home and abroad. Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Chair of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), announced that the CEO of Air Peace will be honored for his patriotic role in airlifting Nigerians from conflict zones in Sudan, South Africa, and Ukraine at no cost.
Additionally, Pastor Stephen Olusola, Head of Operations at Vine Heritage Home Foundation (VHHF), will be recognized for his work in rescuing displaced children and supporting community development initiatives.
“These awards are not just tokens of appreciation,” Taiwo-Obalonye explained. “They are a testament to the power of individual actions in shaping national narratives. By celebrating these heroes, we hope to inspire others to contribute to Nigeria’s development in their unique ways.”
In response, NAN’s Managing Director, Malam Ali M. Ali, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to the partnership, emphasizing the importance of media in driving national dialogue.
“Migration is one of the most transformative forces in human history, and its impact on Nigeria cannot be overstated,” Ali remarked. “As the largest news content provider in Africa, NAN is uniquely positioned to elevate this conversation. We are ready to take these important stories from local communities to the global stage.”
He further noted that the partnership aligns with NAN’s mission of fostering informed public discourse on critical national issues. “This is a conversation that affects not just Nigeria, but the entire African continent. We look forward to providing both material and moral support to ensure the success of this conference,” he concluded.
The conference has already attracted endorsements from several prominent international and national organizations, including the European Union, the African Development Bank (AfDB), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM). The CEO of NIDCOM will be a guest speaker at the event, and special invitations have been extended to key stakeholders to address the conference theme.
As Nigeria grapples with the dual realities of migration’s opportunities and challenges, the 6th International Conference on Development Communication promises to be a pivotal event. By fostering meaningful dialogue and strategic partnerships, the conference aims to chart a path forward for sustainable development in Nigeria and across Africa.
