Akwa Ibom State has issued a strong warning to the public about a fraudulent scheme circulating on the internet, falsely promising a Christmas grant of 25,000 Naira from Governor Umo Eno.
The scam, which uses a fake website (http://ikbitz.com/AKWA-25k), invites users to answer questions in exchange for the supposed grant. However, the Akwa Ibom government has made it clear that the link is a scam designed to deceive unsuspecting individuals.
In a statement released on Saturday, Governor Eno’s spokesperson, Ekerete Udoh, categorically dismissed the fraudulent link. “We wish to state emphatically that this is the handiwork of scammers, and the link is, therefore, false and made with the express intent to hoodwink unsuspecting members of the public,” Udoh said.
The statement also clarified that the only legitimate grant currently being distributed by the state government is the Arise Business Support Grant. This grant, launched by Governor Umo Eno, provides 50,000 Naira to 15,000 unemployed youths across the state.
“We wish to state categorically that the grant Governor Eno gave was the first tranche of the Arise Business Support Grant of 50,000 Naira each to 15,000 youths currently unemployed for October, November, and December 2024,” Udoh explained.
He further stated that the Arise Business Support Grant was a promise made by Governor Umo Eno during the Youth Appreciation Rally in September 2024. The rally, which received significant media coverage, was held to appreciate the youth for their contributions to the state’s development.
“There is, therefore, no such grant as the alleged ‘Governor Umo Eno 25 thousand Naira Christmas Cash Grant,’” Udoh said.
The Akwa Ibom government has urged the public to disregard the fraudulent link and not to engage with the scam. The government also reassured residents that security agencies are investigating the matter and taking action to track down the scammers behind the fraudulent link.
This warning comes on the heels of a devastating incident in Ibadan, Oyo State, which occurred on Thursday, December 19, 2024. Over 5,000 people had gathered at an event promising free food and cash, leading to a tragic stampede that claimed 35 lives, most of them children. Many others were injured in the chaotic rush to enter the event.
The Akwa Ibom government has expressed its condolences to the victims and their families, calling for increased vigilance during the holiday season. The authorities have cautioned citizens to be careful when engaging with offers of free money or grants, especially those that appear on social media or unverified websites.
Governor Umo Eno’s office has assured the public that no such fraudulent schemes will be tolerated and that the state will continue to focus on empowering unemployed youths through legitimate programs such as the Arise Business Support Grant.
“We encourage the public to stay informed and report any suspicious activities to the authorities,” Governor Eno’s spokesperson added. “The safety and well-being of our people are of utmost importance.”
While the public is urged to remain cautious, the government has stressed the need for citizens to rely on official channels for information regarding government initiatives.
The Arise Business Support Grant has already begun benefiting unemployed youths in the state. According to official reports, those eligible for the grant will receive their first tranche of 50,000 Naira before the end of December 2024. The program aims to support the state’s youth by providing financial assistance to help them start small businesses and improve their livelihoods.
The scam, however, highlights the growing concern of online fraud and its potential to exploit vulnerable members of society. In recent months, similar fraudulent schemes have been reported in various parts of Nigeria, especially around holiday seasons when people are eager to receive financial support.
Authorities are urging Nigerians to be cautious and verify the legitimacy of any financial offers before engaging with them. The rise of digital scams is a growing challenge, and citizens are advised to report suspicious websites and online schemes to relevant authorities.
The Akwa Ibom State government has pledged to continue educating the public about online fraud and ensuring that residents are not misled by fake promises. With the holiday season in full swing, the government’s vigilance is crucial to protecting the public from financial harm.
“We want to reassure the people of Akwa Ibom that we are fully committed to ensuring that no fraudulent schemes tarnish the trust we have built with our people,” Udoh said in closing.
Residents of Akwa Ibom are urged to remain vigilant and to seek information about government grants and programs through official state channels. The government has also promised to step up efforts to inform the public about legitimate initiatives aimed at supporting youths and improving the local economy.