By Charles Abere
The Comptroller of Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, Ekiti State Command, Abdulrasheed Kayode Ademola, has described the “Japa Syndrome” in Nigeria as a big challenge to those going through illegal ports of exit in the quest for greener pastures.
The NIS boss made the remark during the 60th anniversary celebration of the establishment of the Service, held in Ado-Ekiti, the State capital, tagged “Enhancing Seamless Regular Migration“. According to him, “many of our youths die in the sahara desert, mediterranean sea and so on, which does not worth it”.
“From available data from International Organisation for Migration (IOM), at least 1,200 Nigerians have died while trying to migrate through the sahara desert and mediterranean sea in 2023 alone. For those who survive, the dream of reaching their desired destination quickly becomes a mirage, some spend several months, even years in cells abroad for irregular migration, some are taken hostage by pirates who rob, maim and sometimes rape the female “japaists”.
Stressing further, Ademola pointed out that many Nigerians want to travel abroad for reasons best known to them, describing it as a welcome idea which must be embedded in safe, orderly and regular migration. Adding that Nigerians willing to travel abroad should reach out to any of NIS offices nationwide for necessary information and guidelines.
He commended the Acting Comptroller General, CGIS, Caroline Wura-ola Adepoju for deeming it necessary to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Nigeria Immigration Service with funfair, underscoring that the past six decades have been a period of passionate service to the nation and fatherland.
The security chief said, “Nigeria Immigration Service has gone through a series of transformations, taking the country from the analogue years to the digital era. The agency has achieved a lot within these years in different areas of operations ranging from issuance of travel documents such as (passport, visa and residence permit), border management, migration management, national security and several others”.
The 3-day carnival-like event started in the State on Tuesday, 1st August, 2023 with walk exercise as the officers and men of the Service, took to the streets of Ado-Ekiti, in a joyous mood, singing and dancing in appreciation to God as part of the activities lined up to mark the diamond jubilee.
There was also a novelty match between the NIS football team and another sister paramilitary agency (Nigeria Correctional Service), Ekiti State Command, which took place at the NIS State Command in Ekiti on Wednesday, 2nd August, 2023.
The encounter which lasted for about 60 minutes had NIS team emerge victorious as they scored 3 goals against their opponent, the Nigeria Correctional Service, which scored one goal.
Other activities included sensitisation programme, visit to Erelu Adebayo Orphanage Home, Iyin-Ekiti, where some food items and toiletries were distributed.
Highlight of the occasion was cultural display and entertainment of guests. Present at the occasion were military personnel, other paramilitary agencies, Nigeria police and Federal Road Safety Corps.