As the world marks the 2024 International Migrants Day, the Anambra State Coordinator of the Civil Society on Migration and Development, Eucharia Onyemaobi, has urged residents of Anambra State to avoid irregular migration due to its associated risks and challenges.
She made this appeal in Awka during a one-day public sensitization program on irregular migration. The event, themed *”Honouring the Contributions of Migrants and Respecting Their Rights”*, was organized in collaboration with the Anambra Broadcasting Service, the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, and other partners.
Onyemaobi highlighted the dangers of irregular migration, including exploitation, loss of life, and legal troubles, while advising potential migrants to acquire skills that can enable them to travel through safe and legal channels.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Comrade Don Onyenji, lamented the rising cases of irregular migration, which often result in tragedy. He encouraged young people to focus on skill acquisition and explore opportunities within Nigeria rather than resorting to unsafe migration methods.
Deputy Superintendent of Migration, Mr. Chukwuma Muozoba, also addressed participants, linking economic hardship in Nigeria to the prevalence of irregular migration. He called on the government to create more job opportunities and improve the ease of doing business to discourage the trend.
The sensitization program emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of irregular migration while advocating for safer migration pathways and respect for migrants’ rights.
