The Federal Government has issued a strong warning against a fraudulent advertisement circulating on social media platforms, falsely claiming to offer N500,000 grants through the Youth Economic Intervention and De-radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP). The misleading flyer, which prominently displays the logos of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and Fidelity Bank, purports to provide agricultural training scholarships alongside substantial financial support to unsuspecting Nigerians.
Official Denial and Fraud Alert
Comrade Kennedy Iyere, the Coordinator-General of YEIDEP, has categorically disowned the advertisement, labeling it as a criminal scheme designed to deceive and defraud citizens. In an official statement, Iyere emphasized that no such partnership exists between YEIDEP and Fidelity Bank for distributing grants of this nature. "The flyer is completely false and represents the handiwork of criminals seeking to exploit vulnerable Nigerians," he declared. The statement further clarified that the fraudulent material attempts to gain credibility by misusing official government and bank logos, a tactic commonly employed by scammers.
Verification Through Official Channels
Iyere urged the public to exercise extreme caution and verify any information regarding YEIDEP initiatives through recognized official platforms. He explained that authentic updates about the programme are disseminated through major national newspapers and the official communication channels of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, including the Minister's office website. "News about YEIDEP's activities is widely published in reputable national dailies and on the Federal Ministry of Youth Development's official platform," Iyere stated. He advised Nigerians to disregard the fraudulent flyer entirely and treat it as a tool for financial fraud.
Background on YEIDEP's Legitimate Initiatives
Contrary to the fake advertisement, YEIDEP is a legitimate government-backed programme aimed at empowering young Nigerians economically while enhancing national security through de-radicalisation and productive engagement. The initiative provides financial support ranging from N50,000 to N500,000 to assist unemployed youths in starting or expanding small businesses. Recently, YEIDEP announced the reopening of its application portal for Batch B recruitment, encouraging eligible Nigerians aged 18 to 50 to participate. The recruitment process is being conducted nationwide, with a special arrangement in Kano State where Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf oversees the process through a newly established state steering committee.
Commitment to Transparency and Vigilance
The YEIDEP administration reaffirmed its commitment to transparency in all its operations and programmes. The programme's leadership emphasized the importance of public vigilance against increasingly sophisticated fraudulent schemes that target well-intentioned government initiatives. Nigerians are reminded to cross-check any suspicious offers with official sources before providing personal information or making any financial commitments. The Federal Government continues to prioritize youth empowerment through verified channels, ensuring that legitimate opportunities reach intended beneficiaries without interference from criminal elements.
