UI @70: Abike Dabiri warns youths against illegal migration

THE task of curbing slave trade and illegal migration can not be left in the hands of government alone but a collective effort of all and sundry.

The Senior Special Adviser to the President on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa stated this while delivering her personality lecture to commemorate University of Ibadan at 70.

While presenting her lecture entitled ‘Building Capabilities of Nigerian Youths Against Slave Trade or Illegal Migration’, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa explained that slave trade and illegal migration are national tragedy which deserves urgent attention by all relevant stakeholders

Hon Erewa said hundreds of Nigerians are dying due to the illegal migration which the present administration under President Muhammadu Buhari has made frantic effort in this regards.

According to her, Over 10,000 Nigerians were deployed from Libya after a serious negotiations between the two countries before their release.

In her words, “what we saw in Libya is pathetic and worrisome. Some Nigerians are still stranded in Libya because government can only reach where there is no war”.

She added that countries like Libya, Malaysia, Omar,Saudi Arabia,Morocco China, India, Russia among others have zero tolerance for illegal migration.

The veteran broadcaster and three term member of the House of Representatives, said NAPTIP and other agency must ensure that traffickers were pulled down.

Also speaking at the event, the wife of the Oyo State Governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi congratulated the University of Ibadan at 70 for remaining the best citadel of learning in Nigeria.

Mrs Ajimobi, who was represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Due Process, Mrs Rose Oyedele commended the guest lecturer, Hon Erewa for her commitment towards ensuring a better Nigeria.

The Oyo First lady emphasized the need for people to join hands with government in eradicating slave trade and illegal migration.

Earlier in his address, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Idowu Olayinka who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Professor Kayode Adebowale said the institution would continue to nourish a leader for better tomorrow.

The programme also provided a platform for the students to ask questions regarding illegal migration and slave trade

The programme also featured presentation of awards to some eminent Nigerians who had contributed greatly to advancement of the education sector.