NOA DG cautions Nigerians against get-Rich-Quick Syndrome

By Samuel Luka, Bauchi

Even as the economy bites harder, the Director General (DG) of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Onilu has cautioned Nigerians, especially the youth against the zeal to get rich quick.

Speaking during a program to mark this year’s “World Human Rights Day” recently, the Director noted that the federal government has having recognized the economic hardship been faced by the masses, introduced youth empowerment programs such as the National Social
Investment Program (NSIP) and skill acquisition initiatives.

“The government recognizes that the erosion of our age-long values and
economic hardship often drives individuals toward unethical practices”, the DG who was represented by National Director Planning, Research and Strategy of the Agency, Nuru Yusuf Kobi said.

According to the DG, to remedy the situation, the federal government has implemented youth empowerment programs such as the National Social
Investment Program (NSIP) and skill acquisition initiatives.

He added that the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is supporting small and medium enterprises through grants and loans to promote entrepreneurship.

Onilu said fraudulent practices, including internet fraud and financial crimes have been criminalized, with increased enforcement by agencies like the EFCC and ICPC.

The NOA Director General who urged the citizens to reject shortcuts to wealth and embrace integrity, hard work, and the opportunities provided through government initiatives to make life
better for citizens.

“In this Yuletide season, the tendency to resort to criminal
ways to acquire ill-gotten wealth to impress others is heightened”, he stressed.

The DG assured that NOA will, in December, be carrying out nationwide sensitization against the get-rich-quick syndrome.

He said as the World Human Rights Day is commemorated, the government remains
committed to protecting the dignity of every Nigerian through strengthening legal frameworks to address human rights violations, including gender-based violence and child trafficking.

Onilu added that other initiatives to protect Human Rights include the establishment of support centers for survivors of abuse and violence in
collaboration with civil society.