The Niger State Government has rejected an online portal circulating on social media inviting the state’s youths and farmers to register for a fake empowerment scheme, saying it is fraudulent.
The Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, disclosed this to newsmen this Tuesday, saying that the portal was created by suspected fraudsters seeking to exploit the State Governor, Mohammed Bago’s efforts to promote agriculture and youth empowerment in the state.
He said the government has not launched any registration portal, and if it intends to do so, it will be properly communicated through official channels. Usman warned residents to report any suspicious links or information about the fraudulent scheme to relevant security agencies.
“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 Niger State Government wishes to emphasise that all legitimate government programmes and initiatives are announced through official channels, including the state government’s official website and verified social media handles. When any empowerment programme is launched, it will be properly communicated through these official channels,” he added.
Usman advised the public to avoid submitting personal information on fraudulent portals and remain vigilant against similar schemes exploiting the name of the state government.