By our Reporter
Youths in Nigeria have been advised to shun illegal immigration to countries overseas, but to embrace opportunities available in the country, in order to avoid issues that accompany ‘Japa Syndrome.’
The call was made on Thursday in Yenegoa, during the launch of the ‘Japa Youth Project: Voices of the Unheard’, initiated by Dise Ogbise Foundation, in collaboration with sister organisations, to address issues associated with illegal immigration of Nigerian youhs and the rush amongst youths into cultism, cyber crime, drug abuse and other vices.
The youths were encouraged against illegal immigration, which has led many to death, involvement in illegal drugs, promotion of human trafficking and destruction of so many lives.
Speaking at the event, former Commissioner of Labour, Employment and Productivity, Bayelsa State, High Chief Collins Cocodia, founder of Collins Cocodia Foundation; Chief Felix Omemu, Dr Mrs Josephine Igodo, Dr Marie Teibowei and others enjoined youths in Nigeria to stay back in the country and make use of what is available, in order to get the good life they desire.
Founder of DO Foundation, Barr. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry, said that the foundation, alongside its partners, has created a fall-back mechanism for youths through capacity building, by introducing various skill acquisitions programmes in order to discourage illegal immigration.
Some participants and beneficiaries of the ‘Japa Youth Project’, Newman Anbas, Omungu Joyce and David Divine, appreciated the DO Foundation and her partners for coming up with the project to equip them both in skills acquisition and the right knowledge on immigration.
One of the major highlights of the project launch was an Awareness Road walk on the dangers in illegal immigration and the unveiling of Barr Queen Bestman as the brand ambassador of the project.
The event also had in attendance representatives of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, National Agency For The Prohibition Of Trafficking In Persons, and various Human Rights organizations including Bayelsa Non Governmental Organisations Forum, Chevah Development Initiative, National Association of Nurses and Mid-wives, Lady Pharmacist Association of Bayelsa State, Association of Female Professional Engineers, Nigerian Association of Women Journalists, Nigerian Union of journalists, Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum, Albinism Association of Nigeria and so many more .
In attendance were over a hundred and thirty youths from the eight local government areas of Bayelsa State
