Niger State Warns Against Fake Empowerment Scheme, Urges Public Vigilance

The Niger State Government has issued a disclaimer regarding an online portal circulating on social media, which falsely invites the state’s youths and farmers to register for an empowerment and grant scheme. The government has labeled this portal as fraudulent.

According to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abubakar Usman, the portal was created by fraudsters attempting to exploit Governor Mohammed Bago’s initiatives to boost agriculture and youth empowerment in the state.

In a statement released on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Lawal Tanko, Usman called on residents to ignore the scheme and exercise caution.

“The attention of the Niger State Government has been drawn to a fraudulent online portal currently circulating on various social media platforms, claiming to be a registration platform for a Niger State Youth Empowerment and Farmers’ Grant Programme,” the statement read.

The SSG emphasized that the state government has not launched any such registration portal. He further urged the public to report suspicious links or information about the fraudulent activity to the relevant security authorities.

Usman reassured residents that all authentic government programmes and initiatives will be announced exclusively through the state government’s official channels, including its website and verified social media platforms.

“When any empowerment programme is launched, it will be communicated properly through these official channels,” he stated.

The Secretary to the State Government also advised citizens to refrain from providing personal information on unverified portals and to stay alert against scams that misuse the government’s name.

Key Takeaways

Avoid registering on fraudulent portals claiming to offer grants or empowerment opportunities.
Verify all information about government initiatives through Niger State’s official website and social media accounts.
Report any suspicious activities to security agencies to curb fraudulent schemes.