In a bid to curb the menace of irregular migration endangering the lives of the Nigerian youth, the Youth Enlightenment Empowerment and Self Sustainability Initiative (YEESSI) in conjunction with the Nigerian in Diaspora (NIDO), Germany chapter has urged the Nigeria youth to stay away from any form of irregular migration that may arise from the quest for a greener pasture abroad.
Talking on the theme of the programme tagged: “Fight against irregular migration to Europe (FAIME), the Chairman YEESSI, Mr Kazeem Ojoye, admonished the youths to desist from indulging themselves in any form of irregular migration that may cut their lives short, saying many Nigerians youths have lost their lives while running away from the country at all cost.
The first phase of the event which took place at the Federal College of Agriculture, Moor Plantation, Apata, Ibadan on Wednesday had in attendance officials from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking (NAPTIP), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), National Directorate of Employment (NDE), as well as representatives of the Nigerian in Diaspora (NIDO) Germany Chapter.
In his speech, The Deputy Comptroller General of Immigration in Oyo state, Mr Akinniran Akinlade enlightened the youth on the means of migrating to Europe legally.
According to him, “If you must travel to Europe or any other country abroad, ensure you are certified by having the necessary requirements and documents which entails, International Passport, VISA, Yellow card etc.”
He said it is only by having these documents that you would be legal to stay abroad without having any issue.
In his own words, a representative of the NAPTIP said the federal government has declared war on those involved in human trafficking, saying it is not going to be easy for anybody caught in the act of human trafficking again.
Talking about her experience while engaging on irregular migration to Italy, Mercy Akinkuowo said she saw hell on the way and yet couldn’t get to Italy before she voluntary reported to the Nigerian Embassy in Libya for deportation back to Nigeria.
Narrating her ordeal, Akinkuowo said she was deceived by a human trafficker who lied to her that the journey will only take her one week to get to Italy.
“It was only God that saved me, I was imprisoned in Libya when caught, I was sold out as slave and many of those whom we embarked on the journey together lost their lives in the desert,” she said.
YEESSI Chairman, Kazeem Ojoye, however, said the organisation in conjunction with NIDO Germany will soon organise an empowerment programme for the Nigerian youth, where experts would be invited from Germany to train the youths on various skills and vocations.
He further said the second phase of the enlightenment programme will take place at the University of Ibadan on Tuesday, June 18, 2019.
Curled From Nigerian Tribune