The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has warned youths against irregular migration, enumerating the inherent dangers associated with it.

Mr Olawande gave the warning during a campaign and advocacy programme on the effects of irregular migration for youths in the southern zones in Abeokuta on Friday.

The minister, represented by the director in charge of migration and climate change, Grace Lelea, explained that irregular migration presented a significant risk to lives, communities, and national development.

The minister said that, sadly, a growing number of young people were driven into irregular migration due to conflicts, economic hardship, unemployment, insecurity, national disasters, and the unrealistic allure of opportunities abroad.

”It is a troubling phenomenon that our young people, driven by ambition, hope, and sometimes desperation, embark on deadly voyages across deserts and seas.

“Unfortunately, the Mediterranean Sea has become a graveyard for many, and countless others fall victim to human trafficking, organ harvesting, and modern-day slavery,” he said.

Mr Olawande stressed that the federal government remained committed to reversing the trend.

He said that the ministry, in collaboration with key MDAs and development partners, has rolled out several strategic empowerment and intervention programmes for youths.

The minister explained that the programmes were designed to empower Nigerian youth with the skills, resources, and support systems they need to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.

”No government effort can succeed in isolation. Youth development is a shared responsibility. Let us commit ourselves to building an enabling environment that nurtures the dreams and aspirations of our young people,” Mr Olawande said.

In his remarks, Ogun commissioner for sports and youth development, Wasiu Isiaka, lauded the federal government for the initiative.

Mr Isiaka, represented by the permanent secretary, Lanre Ogunyinka, noted that it was important to create awareness about the dangers associated with irregular migration.

The commissioner stated that the state government, under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun, remains committed to youth development and will continue to discourage irregular migration through various empowerment programmes and interventions.

In her remarks, the representative of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Abosede Jimoh, said the youth were most affected by irregular migration and human trafficking.

”People should pass through the right channel while travelling and also have the knowledge of where they are going before embarking on any journey,” she said.

(NAN)