The federal government has distanced itself from a viral advertorial circulating on social media, claiming the Youth Economic Intervention and De-radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP), is offering agricultural training scholarships alongside a N500,000 business grant in partnership with Fidelity Bank Plc.
In a statement signed by its Coordinator-General, Comrade Kennedy Iyere, YEIDEP said the flyer emanated from some criminal elements seeking to deceive and defraud unsuspecting members of the public.
According to the statement, the material falsely bears the logos of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and Fidelity Bank Plc, giving it a misleading appearance of authenticity.
Iyere stressed that YEIDEP has no such partnership or initiative, warning that the flyer is a tool for financial fraud.
He explained that all legitimate information about YEIDEP’s activities is disseminated through recognised national newspapers and official communication platforms of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, including updates from the office of the Honourable Minister.
The programme urged the public to disregard the flyer and remain vigilant against fraudulent schemes.
YEIDEP reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and advised Nigerians to verify information about its programmes through official channels before taking any action.
“News about YEIDEP’s activities is usually published in major national dailies and on the website of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, particularly on the platform of the Honourable Minister.
“The general public is advised to disregard the flyer and treat it as a tool for fraudulent operations,” the statement added.
