In reality the Exodus of Nigeria youths is predicated on a myriad of problems like poverty, Corruption, lack of employment, etc. Put together, these things destroy hope in the hearts of youth. It however can be argued reasonably that everything is rooted in the lack of dynamic leadership. Once the root problem is addressed, the other challenges world topples like a pack of cards.
THE PLIGHT OF YOUTHS IN NIGERIA
For those who don’t know, the average Nigeria youth is faced with a lot of challenges. Although a small percentage have parental cover and provision made for them, a greater number only have the options under listed.
•   Part – time work
•   Petty Trading
•   Street Hawking
•   Blue Collar Apprenticeship
•   Petty crime/Armed Robbery
•   Prostitution
•   Drug Abuse & Trafficking.
Face with such options, it’s no surprise that many will brave the dangers of desert journey in hope of a viable future.
Was a hair dresser in Benin, Deceived to Italy to get a better job, but ended up prostituting. Contacted HIV AIDS.
STATISTICS
- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimated in 2008 that up to 120,000 sub-Saharan African were entering North African annually, with up to 38% continuing on to Europe.
- Between 1999 and 2011, over 50,000 migrants have lost their lives while trying to cross over from North Africa to Europe.
- Over 40,000 Nigerians are now in jail worldwide as a result of irregular migration.
- 2011 – Over: 14,000 Nigerians were returned from Libya.
FACTS
- 2001 – 17 : Young people were rescued from a stranded vehicle where most of the travelers had died of hunger and thirst; the survivors lived only by eating their dead companions.
- 2007 – Some Nigerians lost their life when their truck hit a mine 40km from the Northern Niger Military post of Madama, 1000km from Agadez.
- 2009 – Two boats carrying migrants to Italy sank off the coast of Libya, 21 people were drowned and hundreds believed missing.
- A Nigerian woman died in the desert in Oran, Algeria, while being delivered of a set of twins.
- About 14 Nigerians including their driver and his son, died in the desert after they got lost, ran out of fuel and water.
CONCLUSION
The dangers of irregular migration must be publicized more often to enlighten the country and to encourage their youths to remain in their countries and participate in Nation building, putting to good use the same strength and tenacity that would have been dissipated in the desert.
Osita Osemene (Former irregular Migrant and now founder of Patriotic Citizen Initiatives)
Campaigning against irregular migration & Trafficking.Young people should be at the forefront of the global change and innovation. Empowered, they can be the key agents for development and peace. If, however they are left on society’s margins, all of us will be impoverished. Let us ensure that all young people have every.
-Â Â Â KOFI ANNAN
Fmr, Sec. Gen of UN