A post claiming that the Oyo State Government is giving an empowerment fund in 2024 has been spreading on WhatsApp.
The post claimed that the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde approved the sum of ₦75,000 as empowerment fund for youths. It provided a portal for registration and asked registrants to supply their full names, bank details and local government areas.
Screenshot of the post as seen on WhatsApp
Verification
At first sight, the post looks suspicious, as it is full of grammatical errors, including the mis-spelling of the name of the Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde. This is the beginning of the suspicion.
A keyword search was done. The first match is a website, Oyo State Youth Empowerment Programme (OYEP). The Message from the Governor seen on the website reads that the programme was “Established with a vision to empower our youth with essential skills,opportunities, and resources. This programme is committed to fostering meaningful empowerment and sustainable development in Oyo State.” The site does not make any promise of any amount of money or funds for any youth who registers.
Another youth empowerment programme which is powered by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, posted online on June 6, 2024. It is also an Oyo State initiative, but it does not make any promise of funds. It is a skills acquisition and mentorship programme which redirects applicants to the OYEP portal, a government website.
None of these is related to the portal provided in the post circulating on WhatsApp. When we tried to open the portal, we received the warning that it is a dangerous website.
In August 2023, the Oyo State Government warned citizens in the state, especially civil servants and students, to ignore an online platform asking them to fill a purported application form to benefit from the State Government’s ₦10,000 support for them. This was when the government launched its Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) package.
A message inquiring about the scheme was sent to Oladayo Ogunbowale, Special Adviser, Communications to Governor Seyi Makinde.
He responded by stating that there was no such offer from the Oyo State Government. “Oyo State is not giving out any ₦75,000,” he replied.
Conclusion
Going by the response from the government of Oyo State through the SA to the governor, it is clear that the claim is false and the post is a scam.
The portal provided for registration is a phishing portal where unsuspecting people are tricked into revealing sensitive information and exposed to potential risks.
