The minister of youth development, Ayodele Olawande, has advised young Nigerians to shun irregular migration and explore the numerous opportunities available within the country.

Mr Olawande, who was represented by Grace Leleh, director, Youth Migration and Climate Action, gave the advice on Thursday in Yola during the sensitisation campaign against irregular migration among young people.

The event was organised by the federal ministry of youth development.

The minister said that while legal and regulated migration remained a natural part of human development, irregular migration posed serious risks to lives, communities, and national development.

“Statistics continue to show that Africa, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, account for some of the highest numbers of irregular migrants attempting to cross into Europe and North America.

“Sadly, a growing number of our young people are driven into irregular migration due to conflict, economic hardship, unemployment and insecurity, while undertaking deadly journeys across deserts and seas,” he said.

He described the Mediterranean Sea as a graveyard for thousands who fall victim to human trafficking, organ harvesting, forced labour, sexual exploitation and modern-day slavery.

Mr Olawande reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to tackling the challenge through youth-focused empowerment initiatives.

He listed ongoing interventions such as; “Vocational training and waste-to-wealth programmes, the relaunch of the National Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) with a N110 billion capital base, agricultural innovation training.

Other initiatives include the construction of youth development centres across the country, youth house projects in 774 local government areas and a 30 per cent affirmative action policy for youth inclusion in governance, among others.”

The minister also called on families, traditional and religious leaders, communities, and private sectors to play active roles in shaping the future of young Nigerians and addressing the root causes of irregular migration.

The Adamawa commissioner for youth and sports development, Wali Yakubu, described the campaign as timely, saying that many youths were being lured by false promises of success abroad.

He said irregular migration often involved illegal entry into foreign countries through unsafe routes or forged documents, leading to loss of lives and exploitation.

Mr Yakubu urged young Nigerians to channel their energy into productive ventures within the country.

“We do not need to cross dangerous borders to succeed. Our strength, innovation, and determination are the real wealth of this nation.

“I encourage youth to replace the ‘Japa or die trying’ mindset with ‘Stay and build’. Migration should be regular, safe, and purposeful,” he said.

In his remarks, Maliki Hamidine, head sub-office of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Adamawa, appreciated the ministry of youth development for organising the campaign.

He said the organisation’s partnership with the Ministry reflected a shared commitment to placing young people at the centre of migration governance.

Mr Hamidine noted that the collaboration covered areas such as return and reintegration of migrants, humanitarian assistance and peacebuilding while ensuring young Nigerians are protected and empowered.

According to him, when migration is regular, safe, and orderly, it provides access to legal employment, education, and protection under labour laws.

He also highlighted the recent launch of the Youth Advisory Board on Migration (YABM) under the IOM–GIZ project, which brings together youth leaders, returnees and community mobilisers to advocate for inclusive migration solutions.

A youth participant, Rubiruka Loniba, commended the federal government for organising the programme, describing it as insightful and enlightening on the dangers of irregular migration.

He lauded the government’s ongoing initiatives and empowerment programmes aimed at improving the lives of young people.

Ms Loniba also urged youths to take advantage of such opportunities rather than risking their lives through illegal migration.

(NAN)