The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has expressed dissatisfaction over the rise of irregular migration among Nigerian youth.
This concern was voiced during a two-day awareness program on “The Effects of Irregular Migration of Young People” organized by the Ministry in Katsina, Katsina State, North-west Nigeria.
Olawande, represented by Grace Leleh, the Deputy Director of the Youth Centres & Camp (YCC) Division within the Department of Education and Youth Development, emphasized that various factors contribute to the increasing trend of irregular migration among youth. These factors include conflict and civil unrest, unemployment resulting from a deteriorating economic situation, famine, and national disasters, among others.
“In recent years, we have recorded needless and avoidable deaths of irregular migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea to get to Europe. In addition, we have also witnessed countless cases of organ harvesting, rape, child labour, kidnapping, prostitution and so on, meted out to illegal desert migrants”, Olawande stressed.
According to him: “unfortunately Africa and the Middle East have recorded the highest number of illegal migrants trying to leave the shores of their continent/country to Europe and America”.
He disclosed that as a result of these challenges, President Bola Tinubu led Administration through the Ministry of Youth Development is working tirelessly in collaboration with relevant MDAs to curb this ugly trend.
The Minister articulated that the Ministry has developed a range of empowerment initiatives, including vocational training programs in garment and clothing production, bead-making, and waste management focused on waste-to-wealth creation. Additionally, there are programs aimed at enhancing digital employability, entrepreneurship, and leadership training (DEEL), as well as a work experience program (WEP). Furthermore, the Ministry has proposed the establishment of Youth Houses in all 774 local government secretariats nationwide.
In his statement, he outlined several key measures aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs. These include the planned relaunch of the National Youth Investment Fund, with an allocation of 110 billion naira. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of agricultural training, which has facilitated the distribution of drones to enhance farming practices. Other initiatives mentioned were the provision of startup grants for trainees and the construction of youth development centers across the country, designed to host various youth empowerment activities and programs. Furthermore, he advocated for a 30 percent affirmative action to ensure youth participation in government opportunities.
In his goodwill message, Jean Nahesi Kutumbakana, Program Manager & Head of the Sub-office, of the International Office for Migration in the Northwest region, said that various significant problems are emerging due to the socio-economic vulnerabilities and security challenges that often drive irregular migration. He added that the northwest is a critical region for both internal and cross-border migration flows.
“We at IOM strongly support the principle of partnership and collective actions for a comprehensive approach towards addressing the root causes of irregular migration”, he affirmed.
In his remarks, the Katsina State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Aliu Lawal Zakari emphasised that the Katsina State government is leaving no stone unturned to curb irregular migration as it shared boundaries with other countries.
He advised the youth to cooperate with the government at all levels to make this country conducive for them to get their livelihood.
In his speech, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Olubunmi Olusanya observed that migration is a natural characteristic of mankind, but unfortunately, irregular migration witnessed in recent times, is entirely a new form that is characterized by complexities, uncertainties, dangers and untimely death.
“It is also perplexing to note that most of the youths that engage in irregular migration are educated and trained professionals in various fields.
“This situation has brought upon our dear country, the phenomenon of brain drain.”
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