FG's YEIDEP Disowns N500,000 Grant Flyer, Warns Public of Fraud
The Youth Economic Intervention and De-radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP), a federal government initiative, has officially distanced itself from a fraudulent advertorial circulating widely on social media platforms. This misleading flyer falsely claims that YEIDEP is offering agricultural training scholarships alongside a substantial N500,000 business grant in partnership with Fidelity Bank Plc.
False Claims and Criminal Intent
In a press statement signed by its Coordinator-General, Comrade Kennedy Iyere, YEIDEP described the flyer as entirely false and the handiwork of criminal elements. These individuals are actively seeking to deceive and defraud unsuspecting members of the public through this fabricated scheme. Iyere emphasized that the programme has no such partnership or initiative as advertised in the viral material, warning that it serves solely as a tool for financial fraud.
The fraudulent flyer bears the logos of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and Fidelity Bank Plc, which gives it a deceptive appearance of authenticity. This misuse of official branding is a common tactic used by scammers to lure victims into providing personal information or making payments under false pretenses.
Official Channels for Information
Comrade Iyere clarified that all legitimate information regarding YEIDEP's activities is disseminated exclusively through recognised national newspapers and the official communication platforms of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development. This includes updates directly from the office of the Honourable Minister, ensuring transparency and reliability.
YEIDEP has urged the public to disregard the flyer entirely and remain vigilant against such fraudulent schemes. The programme reaffirmed its commitment to operating with full transparency and advised Nigerians to always verify any information about its programmes through these official channels before taking any action.
"Please note that news about YEIDEP's activities are usually widely published and reported in major National Dailies and also on the website of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, specifically the news platform of the Honourable Minister," the statement read. "Therefore, the general public is advised to disregard the said flyer and treat it as a tool for fraudulent operations."
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of cyber fraud in Nigeria, particularly schemes targeting vulnerable populations seeking economic opportunities. Authorities continue to stress the importance of skepticism and verification when encountering unsolicited offers online.
