Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, has called on mothers to nurture strong values in their children to steer them away from cybercrime. Speaking at the National Cybercrime Summit and the launch of the 24/7 Rapid Response Desk by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja, Mrs. Tinubu stressed the importance of hard work, honesty, and the consequences of choosing dishonesty.
She highlighted the role of parents, particularly mothers, as their children’s first teachers, urging them to maintain open communication and not to be judgmental. “Be their friends, don’t judge, but love them until they find themselves. The values we instill in them shape their future,” she stated.
Mrs. Tinubu acknowledged the digital age presents both opportunities and new dangers for the nation. Despite numerous arrests, prosecutions, and convictions, cybercrime continues to rise, with the youth—who make up over 60% of the population—being the most involved.
She emphasized the need for a national focus on promoting hard work, honesty, and a sense of responsibility among young people. Parents, she said, play a critical role in fostering a culture of integrity, morality, and patriotism, encouraging them to build bonds of trust with their children and address their insecurities openly.
Quoting from the Bible, Mrs. Tinubu reminded the audience that the prosperity of Nigeria benefits everyone and urged leaders and parents alike to support young people in engaging in productive online activities. "As it’s written in Ecclesiastes 5:9, 'the profit of the earth is for all.' Nigeria belongs to us all, and it’s essential we work together to protect our nation’s future by guiding our youth in the right direction."
