Kogi Launches Anti-Internet Fraud Campaign, Proposes Anti-Fraud Clubs in Schools

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

Kogi State Government has launched an anti-internet fraud campaign and called for the establishment of Anti-Internet Fraud Campaign Clubs in schools and tertiary institutions across the state to curb cybercrime among youths.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo made the call during the flag-off of the campaign at the Government House in Lokoja, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Folashade Ayoade Arike.

Ayoade urged parents, schools, religious bodies and community leaders to support efforts aimed at addressing internet fraud, warning that the growing quest for quick wealth and poor moral upbringing were eroding societal values.

She advocated the creation of anti-fraud clubs in schools to promote awareness and ethical values among students, stressing that society must collectively work to reverse the trend.

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 aimed at protecting the image and future of Kogi State.

Eleta cautioned youths against using their intelligence and digital skills for criminal activities, urging them instead to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship and investment opportunities in the digital space.

Speaking on behalf of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, CP Nathaniel Diton identified pressure, opportunity and rationalisation as major drivers of internet fraud among young people.

Delivering a lecture titled “Internet Fraud and the Nigerian Youth: The Way Forward,” he urged youths to pursue legitimate means of livelihood and avoidjustifying corruption based on ethnic or social sentiments.

Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the state should not be defined by internet fraudsters, describing Kogi citizens as intelligent and hardworking.

Fanwo blamed some parents for encouraging fraudulent behaviour by accepting expensive gifts from unemployed children without questioning the source of the money.

He also disclosed that the state government was developing innovation hubs to help youths channel their digital skills into productive and legitimate ventures.

The commissioner donated N100,000 to a student of GYB Model School, Great Onize Suleiman, for an outstanding presentation during the programmeOther speakers at the event, including the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mrs. Helen Adebirimibe, and the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Taiye Abanika, urged parents and youths to embrace integrity and responsible use of the internet.

Students from GYB Model School and Faith Academy also presented papers highlighting the dangers of internet fraud on individuals, families and society.

The event attracted government officials, students, security agencies and education stakeholders who called for stronger moral values and collective action against cybercrime in Kogi State.