This originally appeared on Concise News
President Muhammadu Buhari has identified climate change as one of the reasons Nigerian youths embark on illegal migration to Europe.
The President listed other causes of illegal migration from developing to developed countries to include lack of security, education and healthcare among others.
According to a statement on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, President Buhari made this comment on Thursday while receiving Toni Iwobi, of Nigerian origin who is the first Blackman ever to be elected senator in Italy.
Concise News learned that the meeting was held on the sidelines of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly holding in New York.
Iwobi met with President Buhari along with a high-powered team from the Italian Senate.
President Buhari said, “Climate change has had negative impact on a big country like Nigeria.
“That is why our youths often defy the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea, to try and get to Europe. It is a problem that needs to be solved.”
The President also congratulated Iwobi who was elected in March this year, on the platform of the far-right League Party.
While also congratulating Italy, President Buhari said Iwobi’s election showed the advanced respect of Italians for human beings, in spite of colour, saying it was very impressive.
It was gathered that the team from Italy discussed issues like illegal migration and how it could be curbed through investments in Africa, recharge of the Lake Chad via inter-basin water transfer, among others.
“Africa doesn’t need charity, but collaboration to develop,” Iwobi declared.
The Italian Senate delegation plans to visit Nigeria soon.
Image Credit: BBC