The Chief Executive Officer of We Love Nigeria Unity and Peace Initiative (We Love Nigeria), Anaba Chimele Anthony, has warned that cybercrime poses a major threat to Nigeria’s national growth and future development.

Speaking in Abuja during the official launch of a nationwide sensitization campaign against internet fraud and cybercrime, Anthony described the menace as a growing national embarrassment, particularly among the youth.

He said the grassroots campaign would target universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, secondary schools, religious centres, diaspora communities, and public spaces to educate Nigerians on the dangers of cybercrime.

“Internet fraud and cybercrime carried out by our youths both at home and abroad have become a national embarrassment, turning into an ideology. We are stepping in to complement the efforts of security and intelligence agencies by taking this message to the grassroots,” Anthony said.

He commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Police Force for their efforts in combating internet fraud, urging Nigerians to take collective responsibility for protecting the country’s digital reputation.

In his remarks, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by Barr. Tessy Nnalue, warned that cybercrime has severe consequences, including financial losses, erosion of trust in online transactions, emotional harm, and loss of educational and career opportunities for youths.

Issa-Onilu highlighted several Federal Government initiatives designed to tackle the root causes of cybercrime, including the NELFUND student loan scheme, skill acquisition programmes, soft loans for artisans and traders, and campaigns against hate speech and fake news.

He urged young Nigerians to embrace ethical values, set positive examples for their peers, and support campaigns that promote digital safety and national integrity.