The Federal Government has warned young women to be cautious about forming relationships through social media, citing rising incidents of digital exploitation.
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, delivered the caution on Thursday during the launch of the 2025 SET4LYF LEAD Camp and the unveiling of the National Child Advancement and Achievement Programme in Abuja. Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, she said, “Trust must be earned, not downloaded.”
“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 added, referencing the 2024 death of 16-year-old Precious Alex, lured via Instagram.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted the SET4LYF LEAD Camp aims to empower over 10,500 girls in 21 states and the FCT. The Country Director, Olaolu Akogun, said the programme targets 180,000 youths, 70% of whom are girls, and includes scholarships, job readiness, and digital entrepreneurship training.