NYSC Coordinator Worries over Illegal Migration of Graduate Youths in Nigeria

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The State Coordinator of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Rivers State, Mr. George Mfongang has decried the rate of mass exodus of Nigerian graduate youths in search of greener pastures abroad especially through illegal means, describing it as “alarming and worrisome.”

Mfongang expressed his dismay over the trend when he received in his office, the Rivers State Commander of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Nwamaka Ikediashi, on a courtesy visit, yesterday.

The NYSC state coordinator who described Nigeria as “a great country with great potentials for her graduate youths”, called on leaders and citizens alike to be patriotic, disciplined, honest and selfless in all they do in order to make the country work better and become prosperous for all citizens.

Reacting to the request by the NAPTIP boss to be allowed to sensitise corps members on the dangers of illegal migration during orientation camps, Mfongang advised that such request be channeled to NYSC headquarters through NAPTIP headquarters.

He said this will enable the sensitisation be benefit to all corps members in camp nationwide as part of their orientation timetable.

Earlier, the State Commander, NAPTIP, Nwamaka Ikediashi, informed the coordinator that the visit was to seek collaboration with the scheme in sensitising corps members on the dangers of illegal migration especially among graduate youths.

She explained that “NAPTIP management did resolve to engage in a strategic partnership with the NYSC Scheme to speak to hearts and consciences of corps members to dissuade them from illegal migration and its attendant hazards”.

Ikediashi condemned the activities of fake agencies and agents who hoodwink young graduate youths into believing that they will help them with good jobs and good life abroad, only to turn the unsuspecting youths into prostitution, drug peddling, slave labor and even, harvesting of their organs.