Pan African Institute of Global Affairs and Strategy (PAIGAS) in collaboration with National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have inaugurated five members of Anambra State NYSC Batch A Stream II corps members at the on going Sensitization against illegal immigration at the NYSC orientation camp Umunya, Anambra State.
Anambra State NYSC coordinator Mr E. O. Olawale in his welcome speech stated the reason behind the sensitization as for the youths is to be aware of the dangers illegal immigrants encounter during the journey through the Mediterranean sea and Sahara deserts.
PAIGAS ambassador Mr Betrand Nnodim, stressed that illegal immigration is a result of loss of Self esteem, inability to recognize one’s worth and value in the society.
“Graduates and youths are ready to take any risk, sacrifice that would dent their image and personality, as well as cost them their lifes in order to leave the country.”
He also expressed how some traveling agents endanger youths and graduates by luring them to travel with very little amount of money to travel through the Mediterranean and Sahara.
He said, “the dangers Nigerians that travel through the Mediterranean sea and Sahara went through while embarking on the journey which later leads to loss of lives Nigeria has recorded high death rate of immigrants through illegal means since 2011 – 2017.”
Also, the Assistant Director NYSC press and publicity Unit,Abuja, Mr Eddy Meguay said that immigration is good for people that leave their homes through legal means to make profit abroad.
“Many youths and graduates dies every year trying to cross the Mediterranean sea and Sahara in search of greener pasture.
“We don’t say you shouldn’t travel, but travel legally, through legal means and not illegal means”
He made Corps members aware that NYSC has partnered Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and bank of industries to help them establish their own skills and empower their entertainment. He also enjoined Corps members and youths not to join band Wagon, as everyone can’t be lucky as those that made it through the illegal means. “there’s nothing impossible to achieve if you believe in it, we shouldn’t loose hope”
The Corps members inaugurate as ambassadors are Alhasan Jibrim from platoon 10, Onuoha Ngozi platoon 7, Mercy Igbah platoon 6, Nwadike Henry platoon 3. While Obiyor Chidibere from platoon 9 appreciate PAIGAS and NYSC for the program opportunity.
The guest present at the event were the Camp Director Mrs Anuli Molokwu, Assistant Camp Director Mr Ayanda Ayorinde, Head of Publicity and Information Mr Sam Ogah, Camp Commandant Captain S.K. Ihekire, Head of SAED Mrs I.N NWAFOR and other camp officers.
