Oops! This is not the best of times for many a Nigerian. What with plethora of problems and difficulties here and there. Ranging from political, social, economical and even ethnic problems. “ '
Some actually say that the crux of the matter lies in the twin evils nay corruption and bad leadership, which over the years have inflicted pain and damage on the collective psyche of the people. To some there seems to be a systematic pauperization of citizens, while crime and other social vices have escalated.
Yes people actually believe that these negative situations are only found in Nigeria their own country and never anywhere else. Why won’t it be so? When such people hardly buy newspapers originating from other countries. They know little or nothing about countries abroad except that there are ‘probably’ laced with gold and honey on the road. After all, so they see it in movies!
Notwithstanding, going abroad is not a crime! Not going well or going illegally, is what is criminal. Fraudulently going abroad is a crime. Falsifying information, creating wrong impression When applying for travel documents is wrong.
On the other hand, research has shown that as much as we desire to go abroad, when we go illegally, some people or category of people actually benefit. Who are these people? They are the people that we put in business by deciding to travel illegally.
These are the touts, some of them are found at the various airports. They are the touts lurking around the airline companies trying to sell to us, stolen tickets, promising would be travellers their ability to procure visa and guides who lead illegal emigrants . from one border to another into Europe or other developed countries. Of course, for a grand fee!
And they promise you that they have eventual receiver of such illegal emigrant upon reaching an agreed destination. They assure you further that the said “receiver” will prepare all forms of papers lfor such an illegal immigrant to be able to work (exploitative work) for their own bigger gains of course!
So the big question: How does a young person know when he or she is being lured out of his country for someone else’s grand benefit. When a ‘link’ agent places an advertisement in the newspaper
or news magazine which is so fantastic almost promising gold on the streets of a foreign country, then beware.
When you are told that the journey will be by road, clumsy routes through several borders, then your thinking antennae should be up.
When an agent who you have never met or known all your life decides to love you more than himself or herself by opting to pay foryour ticket, visa, hotel accommodation abroad and every other necessary thing just to get you out of your country in no time. Then that’s the time to stop and do a re-think!
When you are told you have to change your name(s) or other identity before you can be favoured with travelling documents to ' leave your country.
When your own visa or other travelling documents will be obtained in a hotel room or suite or some other place instead of the normal embassy or consular office, then that is the time for you to summon courage and kick the guy in the ass. Call his bluff.
Tell him you’ve change your mind, that you’ll hang in here a while, that something good is coming your way soon since you’re working so hard.
Let him know that your good Lord is with you and will lead you aright, to your success soonest. And the issue of obtaining a travel visa will not be a do or die affair again in your life.
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