The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has cautioned Nigerian youths against irregular migration, stressing the dangers it poses to lives, communities, and national growth.
Mr Olawande gave the warning on Friday during a campaign and advocacy programme on the effects of irregular migration for youths in the southern zones, held in Abeokuta. He was represented at the event by Grace Lelea, the director in charge of migration and climate change at the ministry.
The minister explained that irregular migration continues to be a serious challenge, with many young people driven into it by economic hardship, unemployment, insecurity, national disasters, and the false allure of opportunities abroad.
“It is a troubling phenomenon that our young people, driven by ambition, hope, and sometimes desperation, embark on deadly voyages across deserts and seas. Unfortunately, the Mediterranean Sea has become a graveyard for many, and countless others fall victim to human trafficking, organ harvesting, and modern-day slavery,” he said.
He stressed that the federal government is committed to reversing this worrying trend. According to him, the Ministry of Youth Development, in collaboration with key MDAs and development partners, has rolled out empowerment and intervention programmes aimed at equipping youths with skills, resources, and support systems needed to succeed.
“No government effort can succeed in isolation. Youth development is a shared responsibility. Let us commit ourselves to building an enabling environment that nurtures the dreams and aspirations of our young people,” Mr Olawande added.
Speaking at the programme, the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Wasiu Isiaka, praised the federal government for taking proactive steps to tackle irregular migration. Represented by the permanent secretary in the ministry, Lanre Ogunyinka, he highlighted the importance of awareness campaigns that address the dangers associated with such migration.
Mr Isiaka noted that the Ogun State government, under Governor Dapo Abiodun, remains committed to youth development and would continue to discourage irregular migration through various empowerment initiatives.
Also present at the programme was Abosede Jimoh, a representative of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). She emphasized that young people are the most affected by irregular migration and human trafficking.
“People should pass through the right channel while travelling and also have the knowledge of where they are going before embarking on any journey,” she said.
The advocacy event in Abeokuta forms part of a wider effort to combat irregular migration, safeguard Nigerian youths, and promote sustainable development.
