The one-day programme, “Prevent! Global Practice of Eradicating Crime,” was also organized in partnership with the United Kingdom Government, TAG International, and CLEEN Foundation.
It was interesting that many hotel owners in the area, stakeholders, community development associations, security agencies like the police, DSS and civil defence were well represented.
Also, young people, marketmen, and women in the locality came out en masse to attend the event held at the council secretariat in Ajegunle, Lagos.
The EFCC representative, Mr. Olukinni Olufemi, said it was important that hoteliers and other stakeholders understand the implications of cybercrime and see the need to curb it.
He advised hoteliers not to allow those who engage in cyber crime to patronize them to avoid becoming victims of circumstances.
Olukinni explained that the EFCC is always on the trail of the cyber crime committers and will not spare anyone found guilty of the offence.
“As hoteliers, ensure that you check your customers well. Many of them have criminal intentions, but you may not know. In some cases, you may know, but overlook them.
“If we get any information of such, we will come and raid the place. So, be guided,” he said.
The divisional police officer in charge of Ajegunle, CSP Constantine, explained that the police is doing its best to curb crime in the area.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the way young people were going into cyber crime, pointing out that if not checked, their future may be bleak.
The DPO commended CPP for the good job they are doing and promised that the police will always remain a partner in progress.
The traditional ruler of Apapa Kingdom, Oba Moroof Oyekunle Atanda Oluwa, advised young people to shun crime and engage in acts that will better their future. He also commended CPP on their efforts so far at ensuring that youths are discouraged from indulging in criminal activities.
Earlier in his welcome address, the project coordinator, Amb. Michael Ojobaro, said the exercise became necessary because crime destroys the future of younger ones. He said people engage in cybercrime because they see it as the easiest act of crime.
Ojobaro explained that the effects of cybercrime on the lives of young people are obvious, as it makes them unproductive and senseless in a community with intelligent and innovative youth.
He said: “I make bold to say that cybercrime is a distraction to the normal lifestyle, especially if those involved are no longer making the illegal money,
“Also, due to continuous enlightenment and an increase in the number of cyber security experts, criminals start using drugs to keep themselves up and doing, which leads to madness or depression. All these are degrading the future leaders.”
According to him, cybercrime is dangerous because those in it need cultists to protect them and help them recover funds or threaten their partners if there is an inter-account issue. “The boys also need excess drugs to keep the night due to the time difference with the foreigners.”
Ojobaro expressed satisfaction that the campaigns against criminal activities in the Ajeromi Ifelodun local government area are yielding positive results. The youths are beginning to shun crime and engage in skills that will make them better future leaders.
He, therefore, commended the efforts of CLEEN Foundation, TAG International and United Kingdom Home Office for sponsoring various skills for some cyber crime victims to enable them become useful to themselves, their families and the society.
Source: sunnews