By IJEOMA UMEH

THIS young woman, woman indeed in all sense of the word, is one among thousands of vulnerable persons, especially women and girls who are subjectively compelled to leave the shores of the country, traverse crooked footpaths and creeks hungry seas, deserts and mountain tops to cross over to neighbouring countries and enter. Europe, all in a desperate bid to eke out a living for self and for others.

Every year, the number of souls which perish in this manner increases, even as conditions which necessitate the mass movement deteriorate in the various country where the migrants come from.

Poverty, unemployment, total disillusionment and lack of faith in the institution of marriage and in the policies of government are being adduced as causal factors for youth migration and unrest.

While efforts by government, civil society groups and individuals are on to curb the menace of trafficking in persons, to cooperate with the terms of concession being considered by countries like Libya, Spain and Italy towards repatriating deporting illegal migrants, yet the surge by Nigerians at Apian routes continues.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in persons and other Related Matters (NAPTIP) may be doing its fair share in various attempts to curb the malaise, yet not much has been heard about the agency in recent times, even when the fever over illegal migrations seemed to be reaching a peak. It is imperative for the federal government to re-assess the mandate given to NAPTIP and re-direct its attention towards that mandate. In doing this, it is equally important for the Federal government to ensure the agency is equipped to meet the onerous challenges confronting it. Same goes for the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Police anti-trafficking units and related agencies and organs.

More emphasis should like- wise be laid on sensitization campaigns and advertorials drawing people’s attention on the negative issues inherent in human trafficking. Political jamborees should give way for objectivity. The federal and states governments should know that there’s work to do after much politicking. It is time to face reality. The relevant ministries like Women Affairs and Youth Development should embrace the sensitization campaigns with total commitment, knowing that a life could be saved by so doing.

Funding for Non-governmental organisations which are centred round issues of human trafficking should be critically considered before disbursement. Such organisations should be seemed and totally vilified before the disbursements are made. This will reduce over-spending to the barest.

Traditional councils, religions, societies and organisations, political leaders, private and corporate entities, individuals and groups should join hands to ensure that the system works perfectly.

In like manner, the education sector need revamping. More public awareness should be created to draw attention of people on governments proposed and extant free education systems, while young persons and wards should be encouraged to avail themselves of the free education opportunity.

There should be skill acquisition and recreational centres where young school leavers should go and get trainings and skills that would prepare them for the unemployment bracket in the near future. It is not enough to prepare skill acquisition centres for only those deported from encumbered zones. Let the service be available for all interested persons, while the interest of the destless youths should be re-awakened.

Anarchy and chaos, economic stagnancy, policy insensitiveness, and class inconsistency are what makes the average youth to lose focus and confidence in any government.

Government and relevant agencies should be consistent in their promises to the people while trying to discharge those pledges. More should be allocated into attempting to over haul an entire system of government. The whole priority should be on the soundness of health and mind of the people in bringing back hope to the governed.
Marry Xmas, Happy New Year!

Comment