The Federal Government has issued a strong warning to young women across Nigeria, urging them to be vigilant about engaging in romantic relationships formed via social media platforms. This caution comes amid rising cases of digital exploitation, abduction, and abuse linked to online interactions.
The warning was delivered during the official launch of the 2025 SET4LYF Leadership, Empowerment, Achievement, and Development (LEAD) Camp and the unveiling of the National Child Advancement and Achievement Programme (NCAAP) in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim — represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Keshinro — described social media as a space with both opportunities and dangers. She noted that trust must be cautiously earned in digital interactions.
“In today’s digital age, be extremely cautious with relationships built on social media. Too many young girls have been lured, kidnapped, or killed by individuals posing online,” she stated.
“The tragic case of Precious Alex, a 16-year-old girl from Lekki, who was lured via Instagram and later found dead in 2024, remains a painful reminder that not all digital interactions are safe.”
The minister emphasized the importance of open communication between young girls and their parents or guardians, stressing that the safety and dignity of girls must be prioritized.
The LEAD Camp, under the SET4LYF initiative, is being implemented in collaboration with Junior Achievement Nigeria and is designed to empower over 10,500 adolescent girls across 21 states and the FCT, with a long-term projection to reach 180,000 adolescents nationwide.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim described the LEAD Camp and the NCAAP as critical platforms “where policy meets purpose and talent meets opportunity,” aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda that places children and families at the heart of national development.
She added, “Policy must walk hand-in-hand with family values — the bedrock of character formation, empathy, and discipline.”
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Olaolu Akogun, Country Director of SET4LYF Nigeria, said the program aims to reach 180,000 young Nigerians, with 70% being girls and 30% boys, over a four-year cycle.
He highlighted key components such as:
- I-18 Sessions
- JA-Company
- JA Digital Entrepreneurship Platform
These components are designed to prepare adolescents for innovation, leadership, and employment beyond their school years.
According to Akogun, 70% of participants will gain access to scholarships, placements in private tertiary institutions, and opportunities through the Social Equity Program. Graduates will also benefit from JA Career Connect, a job placement and entrepreneurship initiative designed to enhance employability.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to empowering Nigerian youth while ensuring their safety in both physical and digital environments. Parents, schools, and communities were also urged to work collaboratively in protecting young people from predators who exploit technology to harm others.
