The Kogi State Government has called for the establishment of Anti-Internet Fraud Campaign Clubs in schools and tertiary institutions across the state to tackle internet fraud.
The call was made during the official flag-off of the Kogi Anti-Internet Fraud Campaign held at the Government House in Lokoja.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Folashade Arike said the initiative is part of broader efforts to combat cybercrime and promote ethical values among youths.
She stressed the need for parents, schools, religious institutions, and community leaders to join hands with the government in tackling internet fraud.
Ayoade warned that the desire for quick wealth and poor moral upbringing were contributing to the increasing rate of cybercrime among young people.
“The system is going bad, and it is in our hands to correct it,” she said.
Earlier, the Convener of the campaign and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Fraud and Internet Matters, Oluseyi Eleta, said the initiative was aimed at protecting the image and future of Kogi State.
Eleta urged youths to channel their intelligence and digital skills towards innovation, entrepreneurship, and productive venture rather than internet fraud.
Similarly, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the state should not be defined by internet fraudsters, describing Kogi people as intelligent, dynamic, and hospitable.
Fanwo blamed some parents for encouraging internet fraud by accepting expensive gifts from unemployed children without questioning the source of the money.
He further disclosed that the state government was establishing innovation hubs to help youths channel their digital skills into legitimate ventures.
The commissioner also donated N100,000 to Great Onize Suleiman of GYB Model School for her outstanding presentation during the programme.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mrs. Helen Adebirimibe, and the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Taiye Abanika, urged parents to make sacrifices for the future of their children while encouraging youths to use the internet positively.
Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the ICPC, CP Nathaniel Diton identified pressure, opportunity, and rationalisation as major factors encouraging fraudulent behaviour.
While delivering a lecture titled “Internet Fraud and the Nigerian Youth: The Way Forward,” Diton urged youths to embrace legitimate means of livelihood and avoid justifying corruption based on ethnic or social sentiments.
Students from GYB Model School and Faith Academy presented papers on the dangers of internet fraud to individuals, families, and society.
The event attracted government officials, students, security agencies, and education stakeholders, all calling for stronger moral values and collective action against cybercrime in the state.
