NYSC coordinator in Rivers, George Mfongang, has raised concern over the alarming migration rate of young Nigerian graduates searching for greener pastures abroad.

He spoke on Tuesday when he received the Rivers commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Nwamaka Ikediashi, in his office in Port Harcourt.

Mr Mfongang, who described Nigeria as “a great country with great potential” for her graduate youths, called on leaders and citizens to be patriotic, disciplined, honest and selfless in all they do to improve Nigeria.

He spoke against the backdrop of a request by the NAPTIP boss to be allowed to sensitise corps members during orientation camps on the dangers of illegal migration.

Mr Mfongang advised her to channel the request to NYSC headquarters through NAPTIP Headquarters. He assured Ikediashi that corps members in Rivers would benefit more from the sensitisation if NYSC included the NAPTIP proposal in its orientation timetable nationwide.

Ms Ikediashi informed the NYSC coordinator that she was in his office to seek collaboration with management to sensitise corps members on the dangers of illegal migration, especially among young graduates.

She said NAPTIP management resolved to engage in a strategic partnership with NYSC to speak to the hearts and consciences of corps members and dissuade them from illegal migration, given its attendant hazards.

She advised corps members to avoid the activities of fake agencies and agents, “who hoodwink young graduate youths into believing that they would help them get good jobs and good life abroad.”

She explained that some of the young graduates had been hoodwinked into believing such fake promises only to be turned into prostitution, drug peddling, slave labour and harvesting of their organs once they got there.

(NAN)