JAPA syndrome: Civil Society groups mobilize campaign against JAPA in Bayelsa, offer productive options

JAPA syndrome:

Civil Society groups mobilize campaign against JAPA in Bayelsa, offer productive options

Civil Society group in Bayelsa State led by the Dof Foundation have intensified campaign against the decision by Nigerian Youths to embark on illegal immigration to countries overseas otherwise known as the JAPA syndrome, urging the youths to embrace the gainful alternatives and opportunities available in the country.

The campaign tagged “Japa Youth project: Voices of the unheard” was initiated by the Do Foundation and supported by other human Rights and Non-Governmental organisations in Bayelsa State including Chevah Development initiative, National Association of Nurses and Mid Wives, Lady Pharmacist Association of Bayelsa State, Association of female professional Engineers, Nigerian Association of women journalists,(NAWOJ) Nigerian Union of journalists (NUJ) Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum , ALBINISM Association of Nigeria among others.

The campaign is also supported by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency For The Prohibition Of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP).

The Initiator and Founder of the Dise Ogbise Foundation Foundation (Do Foundation), Dr. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry, said the campaign was initiated to address issues associated with illegal immigration of Nigerian youhs, the rush amongst youths too into cultism, cybercrime, drug abuse and so many more.

She noted with concern that scores of youths have lost their lives while embarking on illegal migration, “Many Nigerian Youths have died and get lured into drug trafficking, human trafficking, human parts harvesting and destruction of so many lives”

Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry Esq also added that the Foundation alongside it’s partners have created a fall back mechanism for youths through capacity building, by introducing various Skill acquisitions in other to discourage illegal immigration.

A Former Bayelsa Commissioner of Labour, Employment and Productivity and Founder of the Collins Cocordia Foundation, High Chief Collins Cocodia, a Chieftain of the PDP in Bayelsa, Chief Felix Omemu, Dr. Mrs Josephine Igodo mni, Dr Marie Teibowei and others enjoined all Nigeria Youths to stay back in the country and make use of what is available, in other to get the good life they so desire.

On her own part, the Founder of DO Foundation, Barr. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry stated that the Foundation alongside it’s partners have created a fall back mechanism for youths through capacity building, by introducing various Skill acquisitions in other to discourage illegal immigration.

Some participants and beneficiaries of the “Japa Youth Project”, Newman Anbas, Omungu Joyce and David Divine, appreciated Do Foundation and her partners for coming up with the project to equip them both in skills acquisition and the right knowledge on immigration.

One of the major highlight of the project launch was an awareness Road walk on the dangers in illegal immigration and the unveiling of Barr Queen Bestman as the brand ambassador of the project.