Federal Government Warns Young Women of Social Media Relationship Risks
- The Federal Government has raised alarm over the rising threat of digital exploitation targeting young women through social media relationships
- At the launch of the 2025 SET4LYF LEAD Camp in Abuja, officials urged adolescents to exercise caution online and prioritise safety
- The initiative, designed to empower over 180,000 youths nationwide, combines leadership training, scholarship access, and career development under the Renewed Hope Agenda
The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to young women about the growing dangers of forming relationships through social media, citing increasing cases of digital exploitation and violence.
Speaking at the launch of the 2025 SET4LYF Leadership, Empowerment, Achievement, and Development Camp in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, urged caution among adolescent girls navigating online spaces.
Source: Facebook
The minister, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, highlighted the risks associated with digital interactions, especially those that evolve into personal relationships.
“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 said.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim referenced the tragic case of 16-year-old Precious Alex from Lekki, who was reportedly lured via Instagram and later found dead in 2024. The incident, she said, served as a grim reminder that digital platforms are not inherently safe.
“Trust must be earned, not downloaded. Be alert, protect your dignity, and always inform your parents or guardians of your engagements,” she added.
SET4LYF LEAD camp targets over 10,000 girls across Nigeria
The minister also unveiled the National Child Advancement and Achievement Programme (NCAAP), alongside the SET4LYF LEAD Camp initiative. In collaboration with Junior Achievement Nigeria, the programme aims to empower over 10,500 adolescent girls across 21 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with a long-term goal of reaching 180,000 adolescents nationwide.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim described the initiative as a strategic blend of policy and purpose, aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda that prioritises children and families in national development. She emphasised the importance of grounding policy in family values, which she called “the bedrock of character formation, empathy, and discipline.”
SET4LYF programme offers scholarships
Olaolu Akogun, Country Director of SET4LYF Nigeria, also addressed attendees, outlining the programme’s ambitious scope. He said the initiative targets 180,000 young people over a four-year cycle, with 70 per cent of participants being girls.
“This is not just a program for students while in school; it is a long-term pathway that transcends their time in secondary school,” Akogun stated.
He detailed components such as I-18 sessions, JA-Company, and the JA Digital Entrepreneurship Platform, all designed to foster innovation, leadership, and employment readiness.
According to Akogun, 70 per cent of participants will gain access to scholarships, placements in private tertiary institutions, and inclusion in the Social Equity Program. Graduates will also benefit from JA Career Connect, a work readiness and job placement initiative aimed at boosting employability and entrepreneurship.
Source: Legit.ng
