The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has called on youths in Rivers State and across the country to steer clear of internet fraud and embrace hard work, integrity, and sound financial planning for a secure future.
This advice was given by Mr. Adefemi Shaba, Controller of NDIC’s Port Harcourt Zonal Office, during the 2025 Financial Literacy Day held at Community Secondary School, Okoro-Nu-Odo, Rumuagholu, in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. The event gathered over 300 students from various schools in Port Harcourt.
Mr. Shaba explained the role of the NDIC in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem, emphasizing its partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in supervising banks and safeguarding depositors’ funds. He highlighted the corporation’s mandate, which includes ensuring financial stability, guaranteeing deposit liabilities, and promoting efficient payment systems.
Students were educated on essential financial habits such as saving, budgeting, and investing wisely to secure their future.
Delivering a presentation on this year’s theme, “Think Before You Follow – Wise Money for Tomorrow”, Mr. Alfred Ijah, NDIC’s Senior Manager for Communication and Public Affairs, stressed the urgent need to improve financial literacy in Nigeria. He encouraged students to develop disciplined spending habits, make thoughtful investments, and cultivate a savings culture.
“You cannot build a future on fraud, gambling, or dishonest money,” Ijah warned. “Illegally obtained money cannot be saved or invested responsibly. It brings ruin, not security.”
He further urged students to support others through charitable acts and make choices that contribute to a stable and successful life.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Peter Chinemenum Njoku, Assistant Director at the Rivers State Ministry of Education and representative of the state government, praised the NDIC for choosing Rivers State as the venue. He described the initiative as timely and vital for youth development.
“This programme is important because it targets young minds, teaching them to save and plan ahead,” Njoku said. “I advise all students to take the lessons seriously, save from whatever they earn, invest wisely, and avoid internet fraud or any form of financial crime.”
He warned that engaging in cybercrime is not only illegal but can derail a young person’s future. “Internet fraud is theft. It will eventually catch up with you and destroy your destiny.”
The event concluded with a call for collective efforts to promote financial literacy among the youth for a better and more secure society.
