In a passionate address that captured the growing concerns around the future of Nigerian youth, Dr. Abraham Haruna Gaga, the newly-elected President of the Boys’ Brigade Nigeria (Kaduna Council), has raised the alarm on the alarming rise of the “get-rich-quick” syndrome. This mindset, particularly associated with internet fraud (commonly known as Yahoo Yahoo), has become a rampant issue among Nigerian youth, especially in the northern states.
Speaking in a recent interview with news outlets, Dr. Gaga emphasized that the issue has morphed into a generational crisis that poses a significant threat to the nation’s future. “The rapid rise of the Yahoo Yahoo mentality among our youth is deeply troubling. Many young boys, who were once committed members of the Boys’ Brigade, have now fallen prey to this dangerous ideology. Peer pressure and the allure of easy money have led them astray,” he lamented.
The “Yahoo Yahoo” culture, which revolves around cybercrime and fraudulent schemes, has been a persistent issue in Nigeria, further amplified by the increasing influence of social media platforms. Dr. Gaga noted that while some members of the Boys’ Brigade had been steadfast in their commitment to the organization, many had succumbed to the temptation of quick financial gains offered by fraudulent activities. “We must confront this problem head-on,” he asserted.
Dr. Gaga’s leadership vision aims to tackle the root causes of this issue by emphasizing education, moral discipline, and community engagement. The Boys’ Brigade, a youth organization that has long been involved in promoting Christian values, now faces the added challenge of steering its members away from the perils of online fraud.
“We are doing everything within our power to educate our boys on the dangers of the get-rich-quick mindset. Our focus is on showing them that hard work, dignity in labour, and integrity are the true pathways to success,” Dr. Gaga explained.
Dr. Gaga’s comments echo a growing national concern about the impact of internet fraud on Nigerian society. In recent years, “Yahoo Yahoo” and its associated activities have not only harmed the reputations of Nigerian youth but also dented the country’s global image. The proliferation of social media and mobile technology has made it easier for young people to fall into the traps of cybercrime, exploiting the anonymity provided by the internet to target unsuspecting victims both locally and abroad.
As part of the Boys’ Brigade’s new strategy, Dr. Gaga outlined plans to sensitize Nigerian youth about the dangers of engaging in illegal activities. “We will concentrate more on discipleship and teach our boys to use technology positively. The goal is to instill the values of hard work, self-belief, and the dignity of labour,” he said.
In a country grappling with youth unemployment and increasing insecurity, many young Nigerians view online fraud as an attractive alternative to the harsh realities of the job market. Dr. Gaga expressed his determination to change this mindset, believing that community engagement and responsible use of technology will help divert youth from a life of crime. “We need to make sure that our young people understand that their actions have long-term consequences, not only for their own lives but for the country as a whole.”
The president’s commitment extends beyond internet fraud. He expressed deep concern about the rising incidence of sexual immorality and drug abuse among young people. These social issues, Dr. Gaga said, contribute to the moral decay within Nigerian society. “We are also committed to fighting against sexual immorality and drug abuse. These are battles that we must win if we are to secure the future of our children and the country,” he stated firmly.
The new president’s approach to addressing these issues is multi-faceted. It involves empowering youth with the right tools to succeed, without resorting to shortcuts or illegal means. “Our strategy is not just about telling them what’s wrong but helping them see the value of working hard, of believing in their potential, and of using their talents to contribute to society,” Dr. Gaga emphasized.
Dr. Gaga’s leadership has already started to show results, as the Boys’ Brigade in Kaduna has launched various programs aimed at uplifting the youth. These include vocational training initiatives, educational seminars on internet safety, and outreach programs to engage young people in their communities. The president noted that these initiatives were essential to keeping the youth engaged and away from the negative influences that could lead them into cybercrime.
However, the challenge remains significant. Dr. Gaga acknowledged that the insecurity currently plaguing parts of Nigeria, especially the northern states, has affected the activities of the Boys’ Brigade. The immediate past president, Solomon Ayodele Olukotun, who presided over the organization before Dr. Gaga’s election, spoke about the difficulties faced in maintaining regular training schedules due to the pervasive insecurity. Olukotun stressed the importance of continued collaboration between the Boys’ Brigade, security agencies, and the government in curbing the rising threats.
“The insecurity in northern Nigeria has disrupted our efforts to reach and train the youth effectively,” Olukotun said. “We call on the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to redouble their efforts to address the root causes of these security challenges so that our young people can grow up in a safe and supportive environment.”
Dr. Gaga’s vision for the future of the Boys’ Brigade is one rooted in moral integrity and service to the community. He believes that by fostering a sense of purpose and belonging, Nigerian youth can be steered away from the temptations of cybercrime and social vices. His stance is clear: only through hard work, education, and positive community engagement can the cycle of corruption and illegality be broken.
As the Boys’ Brigade intensifies its efforts to address the pressing issues facing Nigerian youth today, Dr. Gaga’s call to action remains resonant. “We must stand together as a nation and protect the future of our children. Only then can we overcome the challenges of the get-rich-quick mentality and build a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria.”
