Story By Elvis Omoregie , Benin
As part of effort towards finding an end to unplanned illegal and irregular migration from Africa to Europe and other parts of the world, a non governmental organization under the aegis of Re-educating Africans on the Risk and Dangers in Unplanned Journey Abroad, RARDUJA, during the week, took a sensitization messages and seminals to schools on the dangers associated with unplanned journey abroad and how to find an end to human trafficking and irregular migration.
Addressing the students on the theme: “Say no to unplanned journey abroad” at the Edokpolo Grammar School and Niger College respectively in Benin City, the president and founder , RARDUJA international, Hon. Eddy Duru, said the dangers in embarking on unplanned journey to Europe countries are enormous and such should not be encouraged.
He said teachers in schools have the responsibility to enlighten their students on the dangers in risking their lives on the Mediterranean sea and in the Sahara desert all in the name of seeking for greener pastures abroad.
“Our quest is to continue to create awareness, re-educate and re-orientate the minds of the young Nigerians who embarked on unplanned journey abroad and never returned without minding the risks associating with traveling through the sea and deserts.
Hon. Duru who is also an Ambassador to NAPTIP Nigeria and Foreigners Rep. Thessen State Germany, said there are a lot to achieve in Nigeria but what Nigerians need is the ability to look inward and find something meaningful to do adding that while some Nigerians were leaving the country for the fear of Boko Haram in the recent past, other foreigners were trooping into the country for businesses just because they were able to see what others could not see in the country.
He said RARDUJA is not against anybody traveling abroad but should anyone wants to travel, he or she should follow due process to avoid the risk of loosing ones life in a bid to travel out of the country.
Speaking also, the zonal commander, NAPTIP, Benin zone, Barr. Nduka Nwenwene said Ikpoba Okha has the highest number of those who have embarked on such a dangerous trip in the state.
Nwenwene said though the government has failed in their parts to provide jobs for her citizens, it still not enough reason for people to embark on such journey.
He called on Nigerians to report any cases of human trafficking to NAPTIP adding that the battle can only be worn collectively.