The returnee, who gave his name as Osama from the Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the state, told Southern City News that he raised N800,000 to enable him travel to Europe, through the North African country. But the experience for him in the desert was unthinkable as he lost six of his friends as a result of the hot weather condition during the torturous journey. He explained, “I left Nigeria in May, 2017. I spent about N800,000. I got the money from my sisters. I told them that I was going to France to start a better life, to start making shoes. “I was a shoemaker before I left Nigeria and I had a store. It was difficult. Some people died there (Libya) but I thank God that I am still alive. “I lost eight of my friends in Libya. Six of them died in the desert because of the heat from the sun. There was no shade to cover us and water, so, they lost their strength and died.” The returnee noted that though he earned an income as a worker in a hotel in Libya, he returned home empty and sad. “My parents knew when I left and they gave me their blessing. I worked in a hotel in Libya and earned 500 dinars per day. “If I have another opportunity, I would like to go to France by air. I am not happy that I am back but there is nothing I can do. I am a youth and I left because I did not have a job. “So, if the government can help me with a job that would be good because I came back with nothing. I left Nigeria as a rich person but came back miserable,” he said. Meanwhile, the state Agency for the Control of AIDS said that over 2,000 returnees had undergone medical screening. The Executive Director of SACA, Floral Oyakhilome, said the new returnees had been cooperative with the agency with the understanding that it was important for them to know their health status and seek counselling or medical care where necessary. “It has been very nice, unlike in the past when we had to beg them to have the test. Immediately we told the new set to get tested, they complied and we have had a good turnout. “Over 2,000 persons have so far undergone screening under the agency. Over 60 persons from the new set have been tested. “When they come, they go through pre-counselling to know what they are about to do so that they can willingly subject themselves to the test. If we have those who tested positive, we do post-counselling,” Oyakhilome said. PUNCH NEWSPAPER Add 0802 739 7554 To Receive SKYTREND NEWS Alerts On WhatsApp; For Adverts Enquiries, Whatsapp 0802 739 7554, Send Articles & News Stories To editor@skytrendnews.com. READ ALSO! 14-Year-Old Pregnant Housemaid Dislodges Her Childless Madam, Says I Can’t Share Husband With You READ ALSO! SHOCKING, ALARMING: Nigerian FRSC Official Engages Woman In Serious Physical Combat (VIDEO) READ ALSO! How I Stopped Obasanjo From Becoming Nigerian Version Of Mugabe — Atiku READ ALSO! I’m Happy Leaving My Husband, Nine Children For New Lover — Housewife After 23 Years Of Marriage READ ALSO! The Smart CEO: Top 5 Websites To Get Cheap Domain Name Registration READ ALSO! First Bank’s Appalling Customer Service And Utter Disregard For Its Customers READ ALSO! Between GoDaddy And Namecheap: Making The Best Choice For Domain Name Registrar READ ALSO! Nigerian Filmmaker, Zuriel Oduwole Makes Forbes List Of 100 Most Influential African Women READ ALSO! Woman Marries Her Son After Getting Pregnant For Him ]]>
