Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has charged the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, to focus on addressing the root cause of youth migration in the sub-region by understanding the factors responsible rather than dissipating energy and resources to halt the trend.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who spoke at the ECOWAS parliament in Abuja on Saturday, cited “Silas Adekunle, a 31-year-old robotic engineer, and Abigail Marshall Katung, the Mayor of Leeds,” as examples of successful Nigerians abroad.
She noted that Abigail Marshal Katung, who migrated to the UK, is now the Lord Mayor of Leeds, which is the United Kingdom’s second-largest city. She maintained that some young, ambitious Africans may need to leave their country in search of better opportunities that are unavailable in their homeland.
According to her: “Immigration isn’t all bad; however, the intent and context matter. I exist today because my father left the shores of Nigeria for Ukraine (then part of USSR) in search of greener pastures, both academically and economically.”
She further stated: “As a mother of eight, I struggle to encourage my children to return to Nigeria and contribute to the development of their home country. This personal experience makes me better understand why millions of young people in Nigeria and West Africa choose to migrate in pursuit of better jobs and financial prospects.”
Address cause of youth migration – Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan charges ECOWAS
