Falana Advises Youths to Avoid Internet Fraud and Use Technology Wisely

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana on Monday urged youths to avoid internet fraud. He called on them to embrace innovation and use technology properly. He also asked governments to work harder on issues like illiteracy, unemployment, and insecurity.

Falana spoke at the third edition of Afe Babalola Day at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD). He said Nigeria’s problems need urgent government action instead of just focusing on political campaigns.

The event was themed “A Celebration of Life, Legacy, Service and Impact.” It honored Mr Babalola, the founder of ABUAD.

Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), encouraged young Nigerians to learn from Mr Babalola’s life. He said that determination, education, and making good use of available opportunities can help them overcome personal and societal challenges.

He pointed out that personal efforts cannot replace the government’s duty to provide education, infrastructure, and a good environment for people to succeed.

Falana expressed worry about the state of basic education in Nigeria. He noted that some state governments are not fully using funds from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

He said the situation is alarming due to the ongoing problems of child and adult illiteracy. This continues despite the Child Rights Act being adopted in many states to ensure children access basic education.

“I am also taking advantage of this programme to warn young people, as well as their parents, against internet fraud, which is very prevalent here.

“Young people should take advantage of technology to develop new ideas and pursue productive ventures rather than engage in criminal activities.

“I understand that there is an organisation called the ‘Iya Omo Ologo’ Association in Ekiti State. It is a shame that such an organisation exists. The members of that organisation must be identified and made to justify how they can come together to promote young people who have engaged in criminality,” he said.

Falana praised Mr Babalola for his achievements despite only completing Standard Six in school.

“I am here to honour Aare Afe Babalola and all other Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in one way or another. Aare Afe Babalola’s achievements are exceptional and rare.

“In terms of formal education, the highest level he attained in conventional schooling was Standard Six. However, through correspondence studies, he acquired a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree and an LLB degree before becoming a lawyer. He was called to both the English Bar and the Nigerian Bar and eventually reached the peak of his legal career as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

“He has also produced many Senior Advocates of Nigeria, including two of his own children. His life and achievements therefore serve as an inspiration and a model for young people to emulate.

In his remarks, Mr Babalola urged people to change their mindset about government doing everything for them.

“And that brings me to the way people view government, particularly when it comes to living up to their responsibilities. People talk about government as if that concept means more than its ordinary meaning. For me, government is nothing but an aggregate of people, you and I.

“With that, we should change our attitude of wanting to leave everything for the government to do for us. Today, it has got to the ridiculous point that many Nigerians want to have children and give them to government to train for them.

“We cannot leave all our duties to government, not with the many important responsibilities that government has,” he said.

He also urged young people to embrace hard work, integrity, discipline, and commitment to excellence as key ingredients for success and making meaningful contributions to society.