The wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Patience Umo Eno, has warned citizens intending to leave the shores of Nigeria to desist from illegal migration.
Pastor Eno issued warning on Thursday, during the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) held at Ibom Hall, Uyo.
Speaking on the Theme “Enhancing Seamless Regular Migration” Eno said that those who engage in illegal migration end up risking their lives saying instead they should rather follow due process .
She however said if anyone must travel out of the country, it must be, “through appropriate documentation (Valid Travel Documents), through appropriate means (mode of transportation), through appropriate routes (Regular routes or recognized Border Posts), in conformity with the Immigration Laws of the country they seek to leave or enter.”
The Media Unit of the Governor’s Wife office reported that the First Lady who was Special Guest of Honour at the event frowned at the “JAPA” syndrome.
She was quoted of saying that the ugly trend of migrating to other countries by all means is highly risky as it can result in jail terms, deaths and organ trafficking.
While addressing the participants Pastor Eno, thanked the NIS for edification of the public on the risks and gains of travelling through appropriate means in conformity with the Immigration Laws of the country.
The Deputy Governor, Sen Akon Eyakenyi, facilitated with the State Immigration Service on its Diamond Jubilee celebration, said that Government was concerned about the security and the welfare of its people.
She was reportedly sued for collaboration between state government, the NIS and other security Agencies for effective surveillance of border and coastal communities.
Responding, the Comptroller of Nigeria Immigration Service, Akwa Ibom State Command, Francisca Dakat, who used the occasion to welcome the guests, said the workshop was intended to create awareness among the citizenry on the ills associated with illegal migration.
She said that the Command is taking bold and loud step to educate young Nigerians who want to seek greener pastures off the shores of the country on the need to make their travels a worthwhile experience.
The press unit said highpoints of the event were the cutting of the 60th Anniversary cake by the Governor’s Wife and group photographs.