The Ogun State Government has warned residents to disregard a fraudulent social media message claiming that Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun is offering a ₦20,000 Youth Empowerment Cash Transfer through an online registration link, describing the information as entirely false and a calculated attempt by fraudsters to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the government said it had become aware of the circulation of the fake message across various social media platforms and clarified that neither the Ogun State Government nor the Office of the Governor is associated with the purported cash transfer scheme.
According to the statement, the fraudulent message is the handiwork of unscrupulous individuals who are exploiting the name, office and image of Governor Dapo Abiodun to lure members of the public into divulging sensitive personal and financial information.
The government stressed that there is no ₦20,000 Youth Empowerment Cash Transfer programme currently being implemented by the state government and advised residents to ignore the fake publication and the accompanying online link.
It further cautioned members of the public against clicking on the fraudulent link, filling out online forms or submitting personal, banking or other confidential information, warning that such actions could expose victims to identity theft, financial fraud and other cybercrimes.
The statement urged residents to exercise vigilance and verify any government-related announcements through official communication channels before taking any action.
"The Ogun State Government wishes to state unequivocally that the message is false, fraudulent and has no connection whatsoever with the Ogun State Government or the Office of the Governor," the statement noted.
The government reiterated its commitment to protecting residents from cyber fraud and misinformation, emphasizing that all genuine government empowerment programmes and social intervention initiatives are always announced through verified official platforms and credible media outlets.
Meanwhile, the state government disclosed that security agencies have been alerted to investigate those responsible for the criminal impersonation and ensure that the perpetrators are identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
It also appealed to residents to refrain from forwarding or sharing the fake message, noting that doing so could inadvertently aid the activities of cybercriminals and increase the number of potential victims.
The government assured citizens that it would continue to provide timely and accurate information on all its programmes and policies through its official communication channels, while encouraging the public to remain vigilant against online scams masquerading as government initiatives.
