German envoy sensitise corps members on dangers of illegal migration

The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Bernhard Schlagheck, in Abuja on Thursday warned corps members on the dangers of illegal migration to Europe, advising youths to shun the trend.
The ambassador gave the warning at a two-day lecture on “Dangers of Illegal Migration” held at the National Youth Service Corps Permanent Orientation Camp, Kubwa, FCT.
Schlagheck told corps members that Germany continues to grapple with the problem of Nigerians illegally migrating to the country, a trend that needed to end.
The German envoy said although with the support of the Nigerian Government, Germany has continued to successfully deport citizens living illegally as there were dangers in going to other countries without the legal procedures.
He therefore advised corps members not to be coaxed or forced into making such choices and to ensure they stayed clear of human traffickers who get their victims through fake promises and “sweet talk”.
He said: “Aside from humanitarian grounds where an asylum seeker is allowed to remain in the country, the German government always tries to convince other individuals to go back to their country.
“Most times, once an illegal immigrants’ application to remain in the country is denied we try to convince them to leave the country voluntarily as soon as possible.
“When they refuse to heed to this advice, we have no other option than to deport them with the support of the Nigerian government.”
He said that Germany was committed to upholding the diplomatic relations between the two countries and was concerned about the economic growth and development of Nigeria hence the need to educate the youths on the matter.
Dr Martin Uhomoibhi, the President, Pan African Institute for Global Affairs and Strategy, told corps members that most youths who have migrated illegally have lost their lives.
He therefore advised them against engaging in such acts, urging them to use legal procedures when and if they decide to leave the country.
Uhomoibhi also advised corps members not to yield to the antics of human traffickers.
He said: “Youths are easily convinced to migrate from the country especially then they feel frustrated.
“The problem is that most of them decide to do this illegally making them susceptible to deceit, mischief and even death.
“You end up selling all your properties just to give to this faceless human trafficker and then you start the journey of going by road through the desert or by sea.
“Some get drowned while others die of hunger or starvation and some especially females are sold as sex slaves.
“We are not saying that we are against migration because migration has its advantages;
“we are warning you about the dangers and ugly sides to illegal migration so that you can make informed and correct decisions concerning your life and future.
“If ever you decide to migrate from Nigeria, do so legally by using the right channels.”
An illegal migrant and artist, Sadiq Adeyemo, recounted his ordeal, saying that before he migrated to Europe, he sold all his properties in order to make money for the journey.
Adeyemo said that he also collected money from his family and friends and sent the sum to his brothers’ friend who earlier promised to help him migrate and settle down in a foreign country.
He said that the brothers’ friend instructed him to travel from Lagos to Kano so that someone could meet him there and they can journey through the desert to Switzerland.
He said: “We got to Switzerland but I stayed there suffering for more than four years. When I got tired I went straight to the Switzerland Embassy to submit myself so as to be sent back to Nigeria.
“I returned in 2016 and have since been doing well in my music career.”