Nigeria’s First Lady Advocates Hard Work and Honesty to Combat Cybercrime

By DAYO ADESULU

Senator Oluremi Tinubu Emphasizes Family Values and Trust in Youth Development

In a recent address at the unveiling of the 24/7 Rapid Response Desk of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, stressed the critical importance of hard work and honesty for personal and national prosperity. The initiative aims to enhance the response time to cybercrime reports, highlighting the urgent need to address this growing issue among Nigerian youth.

Hard Work and Honesty: The Keys to Prosperity

During her speech, Tinubu emphasized that “no one can prosper without hard work and honesty,” warning that straying from these values could lead to severe consequences. She urged parents, particularly mothers, to instill these principles in their children, fostering an environment of trust and open communication.

“Be their friends; don’t be judgmental, but love them until they find themselves,” she advised. “What we inculcate in them matters a lot to their outcome in life.”

The Challenge of Cybercrime Among Youth

Acknowledging the dual-edged nature of the digital age, Tinubu pointed out the alarming rise of cybercrime among Nigeria’s youth. Despite numerous arrests and convictions, she noted that the involvement of young people in cybercrime remains a significant threat to the nation’s economic development and stability.

“With young people accounting for more than 60% of the population, it is crucial that we emphasize a culture of hard work rooted in honesty and dignity of labor,” she stated.

A Call to Action for Families and Communities

The First Lady highlighted the pivotal role parents play in guiding their children toward positive behaviors. She called for the establishment of a bond of trust between parents and children to facilitate open communication, allowing fears and insecurities to be addressed effectively.

Quoting the Bible, she reminded attendees of their collective responsibility: “Every hand must be on deck to make the nation a prosperous one.”

Collaborative Efforts to Restore Core Values

Various speakers at the event, including Minister of State for Youth Ayodele Olawande and Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, echoed Tinubu’s sentiments. They agreed that combating cybercrime necessitates a return to core values and cultural respect.

“Value reorientation is very important at this time in our nation. We call on everyone, including families, religious bodies, and traditional rulers, to lead this campaign,” they concluded.

Conclusion: Building a Prosperous Future Together

As Nigeria faces challenges in the digital era, the First Lady’s message underscores the importance of integrity and community support in nurturing a generation that can thrive without resorting to cybercrime.