The Kogi State Government has flagged-off the Kogi Anti-Internet Fraud Campaign, as part of moves to curb online scams and related cybercrimes popularly known as “Yahoo Yahoo.”
The state government launched the campaign on Monday, calling for the establishment of Anti-Internet Fraud Campaign Clubs in schools and tertiary institutions across the state.
Governor of the state, Ahmed Usman Ododo represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Folashade Ayoade Arike, commissioned the campaign in Lokoja, the state capital.
Ayoade emphasized the need for parents, schools, religious institutions and community leaders to support government efforts in tackling internet fraud, warning that poor moral upbringing and the quest for quick wealth were damaging societal values.
“The system is going bad and it is in our hands to correct it,” she said, while advocating the creation of anti-fraud clubs in schools to promote awareness among students.
Earlier, the Convener of the campaign and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Fraud and Internet Matters, Oluseyi Kelvin Eleta, said the initiative was designed to protect the image and future of the state.
He noted that intelligence and talent become dangerous when not guided by integrity, urging youths to use the digital space for innovation, entrepreneurship and investment rather than cybercrime.
Speaking on behalf of the ICPC, CP Nathaniel Diton delivered a lecture titled “Internet Fraud and the Nigerian Youth: The Way Forward,” where he identified pressure, opportunity and rationalization as major factors encouraging fraudulent behaviour.
He urged youths to embrace ethical means of livelihood and warned against defending corruption based on ethnic or social sentiments.
