Nationwide Sensitisation on Cybercrime Begins in Nigeria

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), in collaboration with the Non-Governmental Organisation We Love Nigeria Unity and Peace Initiative, has launched a nationwide sensitisation campaign against internet fraud and cybercrime.

This campaign comes up with a call for more collaboration at all levels in addressing the growing menace among Nigerian youths.

Declaring the event open in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, said cybercrime has become a national concern that must be tackled through education, value reorientation, and the positive use of technology.

He therefore urged Nigerian youth to always choose to make a positive impact as every actions online have lasting consequences.

“It is important to emphasize that cybercrime carries serious consequences, Offenders face imprisonment, fines, or both. For students and young adults the repercussions can be even more damaging-loss of educational and career opportunities, a tarnished reputation, and deep personal and family disgrace.

“Therefore, I urge you to uphold ethical behavior online, just as you would in the physical world. As young people, when you are on the internet: Set a positive example for your peers and those who look up to you. Live by strong values and principles so that your actions do not harm others. Support initiatives and campaigns that promote online safety, like the one we are championing today,” he said.

He was represented by the Director of Community Safety Awareness and Compliance, Tessy Nnalue.

The Chief Executive Officer of We Love Nigeria Unity and Peace Initiative, Mr. Anthony Anaba, noted that the involvement of some Nigerian youths in internet fraud and cybercrimes, both at home and abroad, has become a matter of concern.

He emphasised the need for a national rebirth anchored on unity, positive values, and shared responsibility.

“We need recommendations and partnership with experts in conflict resolution, cyber security, and entrepreneurship. , the challenges before us are real, but so is our resolve. The time for action is now. If we fail, we risk losing not just our reputation, but our very future. But if we rise, if we foster peace, empower our youths, and confront fraud and conflict with courage-we will birth the Nigeria of our dreams”, he noted

In a lecture, Retired Commissioner of Police, Dr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, emphasized that cybercrime poses not just a legal challenge but a moral crisis capable of destroying the values of honesty and integrity.

“The nature of youths is that they are exploratory. They like to try new things. That energy, they can use it to look for new solutions to the problems of this country.

Our world is driven by ideas, solutions. If you make a solution, you get money. Money has to come from hard work, not from stealing. So we’re encouraging the youths to divert all their vast energy potential they have to productive activities. They can build themselves over time. If they persevere and if they are patient. My call to action is that all hands should be on deck to rescue our youths from the path of destruction. The presence of internet is for good. We should not devote more time on the evil one. We should teach our youths the proper way to go so that they can rescue themselves and the future of this country”, he said.

Also speaking, the spokesperson, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Dele Oyewale, while restating the agency’s commitment in combating internet fraud through both enforcement and prevention, charged parents to always be watchful on what the children do.

He urged the youth to train their mind in the direction that will lead to the future they desire.

“Parents, don’t allow your children to do something that will mortgage their future. Don’t allow your children to go into venture that will destroy the reputation of your family. That internet fraud is a monster and we need to tackle it. And we are not only preaching that, oh, don’t do it, don’t do it. We are offering alternatives. All these alternatives will stand us in better stead if we truly want to develop. I want to challenge all of you as you are here today, before you leave this place, I want you to write out your own alternative that you wish to explore. Train your mind to be innovative. Train your mind to be entrepreneur. Train your mind on the direction that will lead to the future that you desire”.

The event, which featured sound contributions from, students , security experts and civil society representatives, conclude with a call on building a Nigeria where Unity triumph over division and peace silences violence.

Olusola Akintonde