NYSC warns graduates on risks of illegal migration

The Rivers State Coordinator, National Youth Service Corps, Mr George Mfongang, has raised concern over the alarming rate of migration of young Nigerian graduates abroad in search of greener pastures.

He spoke when he received the Rivers State Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Mrs Nwamaka Ikediashi, in his office in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

Mfongang, who described Nigeria as “a great country with great potential” for her graduate youths, called on leaders and citizens to be patriotic, disciplined, honest, and selfless in all they do to make Nigeria better.

He spoke against the backdrop of a request by the NAPTIP boss to be allowed to sensitise corps members during orientation camps on the dangers of illegal migration.

Mfongang advised her to channel the request to NYSC geadquarters through NAPTIP headquarters.

He assured Ikediashi that corps members in Rivers would benefit more from the sensitisation if NYSC included the NAPTIP proposal in its orientation timetable nationwide.

Earlier, Ikediashi had informed the state NYSC boss that she was in his office to seek collaboration with the management toward sensitising corps members on the dangers of illegal migration, especially among the young graduates.

She said that NAPTIP management resolved to engage in a strategic partnership with NYSC to speak to the hearts and consciences of corps members to dissuade them from illegal migration, given its attendant hazards.

She advised corps members to avoid the activities of fake agencies and agents, “who hoodwink young graduate youths into believing that they would help them get good jobs and good life abroad”.

She said that some of the young graduates had been hoodwinked into believing such fake promises only to be turned into prostitution, drug peddling, slave labour and harvesting of their organs, once they got there.

(NAN)