The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has urged Nigerian youths to reject cybercrime and adopt financial discipline as a pathway to a secure and successful future.
Mr Adefemi Shaba, NDIC Zonal Controller in Port Harcourt, made this appeal on Friday while addressing over 300 students at the 2025 Financial Literacy Day, held at Community Secondary School, Okoro-Nu-Odo, Rumuagholu, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The event, themed “Think Before You Follow, Wish Money for Tomorrow,” focused on educating students about sound financial habits and the dangers of illegal money-making practices.
Shaba warned against the ‘get-rich-quick’ mentality, stating that involvement in cybercrime and other unlawful activities was harmful and counterproductive.
“Cybercrime and other illegal means of making money destroy progress and must be avoided at all costs,” he said.
“Students should use their time wisely by engaging in productive ventures that will help build their future.”
He explained that NDIC, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), monitors and supervises banks to ensure safety, stability, and trust within the financial system.
“NDIC is mandated to protect depositors’ funds, guarantee bank deposit liabilities, and support a sound and efficient payment system. This is why we are here — to help students learn to manage their finances, save, and invest for the future,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Mr Alfred Ijah, Senior Manager, Communication and Public Affairs at NDIC, identified the lack of financial literacy as a major challenge facing the nation’s financial institutions.
He advised students to work hard, earn legitimately, and build healthy financial habits.
“It is important to cultivate the habit of saving, investing wisely, spending responsibly, and supporting others in need,” he said.
“Money made through fraud, theft, or gambling is not only illegal but also unstable and difficult to preserve.”
Mr Peter Njoku, Assistant Director at the Rivers State Ministry of Education, commended the NDIC for choosing the state as host for this year’s Financial Literacy Day. Representing the state government, he stressed the importance of equipping young people with financial planning skills for long-term viability.
Njoku called on students to apply what they had learned to lead responsible lives.
“Youths engaging in internet fraud need proper reorientation. Cybercrime is no different from stealing or armed robbery.
If they continue, it will only lead to ruin, destroying their future and potential,” he said.
(NAN)