European Union, VluchtelingenWerk Nederland delegates visit PCI

Delegates from the European Union (EU) and VluchtelingenWerk Nederland recently visited the shelter run by Patriotic Citizens Initiatives (PCI) in Lagos Nigeria, to learn more about its programs and support efforts for returnees.

PCI is the only Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) that runs a male shelter in Nigeria.

The VluchtelingenWerk Nederland representatives arrived first, receiving a guided tour of the facility, capturing moments in photographs, and departing prior to the arrival of the EU delegation.

Upon arrival, a statement by PCI said “the EU delegates were welcomed by our Executive Director, Osita Osemene, who shared the shelter’s inspiring story. He recounted his personal journey as a returnee without access to adequate shelter, highlighting the scarcity of safe spaces dedicated to men in similar situations.

“Motivated by this experience, he founded the shelter to offer a secure and supportive environment for others seeking stability and a fresh start.

“During the meeting, we presented the shelter’s achievements, including the successful reintegration of numerous returnees. We emphasized the importance of the “Start and Improve Your Business” (SIYB) training program, developed by the International Labour Organization, as a means to empower returnees through entrepreneurship. This program equips individuals with the tools needed to start their own businesses, fostering self-sufficiency and sustainable livelihoods.”

” The visit provided an opportunity to gain first-hand insights into the shelter’s facilities for beneficiaries and the ongoing efforts to support sustainable reintegration for returnees.”

PCI is a non-profit organization that provides support to individuals in areas of returns, reintegration and readmissions.

It was established on February 4, 2010. PCI has been addressing the developmental needs and challenges of irregular migration, human trafficking and reintegration of individuals back to their home countries, including offering humanitarian support, safety and protection of all individuals.

PCI has honesty, integrity and commitment as its core values.

In the area of honesty, PCI believes in transparency and truthfulness “in all our actions and communications. Our commitment to honesty ensures that we build trust with our beneficiaries, partners, and the communities we serve.”

As an organization that thrives on integrity, PCI upholds the highest ethical standards, consistently doing what is right even when it is difficult. “Our integrity guides our decision making and action taking, ensuring that we remain accountable and trustworthy.”

Also as an organization that is totally committed to what it does and stands for, PCI is dedicated to its mission and the people it serves. “Our unwavering commitment drives us to work tirelessly towards creating positive change, utilising tools, technologies and processes to achieve our goals, no matter the challenges we face. We respect the international rule of law whilst being advocates for positive and necessary change.”

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