The Rivers State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), George Mfongang has raised concern over the alarming migration rate of young Nigerian graduates in search of greener pastures abroad which is now popularly referred to as ‘japa’.
Mfongang made the call on Tuesday when receiving the Rivers Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Nwamaka Ikediashi, in his office in Port Harcourt.
Japa has been adopted largely to describe massive migration of skilled and unskilled Nigerians from the country to foreign countries in search of better living standards and has been attributed to brain drain affecting key sectors of the nation’s economy.
“The rate of migration among our graduates is alarming,” Mfongang stated; describing Nigeria as “a great country with great potential” for her graduate youths and called on leaders and citizens to be patriotic, disciplined, honest, and selfless in all they do to improve Nigeria.
“Nigeria has immense potential, and it is vital for us to build on that potential rather than seeking opportunities through illegal means,” he remarked.
He also 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.
The Coordinator directed Ikediashi to channel the request to NYSC headquarters through NAPTIP Headquarters, while he assured him that corps members in Rivers would benefit more from the sensitisation if NYSC included the NAPTIP proposal in its orientation timetable.
Ikediashi informed the NYSC Coordinator that she was in his office to seek collaboration with management to sensitise corps members on the dangers of illegal migration, especially among young graduates.
She added that NAPTIP management resolved to engage in a strategic partnership with NYSC to speak to the hearts and consciences of corps members and 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.”
“We aim to inform corps members about the reality of illegal migration and the severe consequences it can entail,” Ikediashi said.
She further urged that caution should be exercised, noting that individuals lured by fake agencies often face exploitation and severe outcomes, including involvement in prostitution, drug trafficking, forced labour, and organ harvesting once they reach their destinations.
“The activities of these deceitful agents pose significant dangers, and it is crucial that our youths are aware of these risks before making any decisions,” Ikediashi added.