A cybersecurity specialist, Mr Chidiebere Ihediwa has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to consider an alternative approach to “Yahoo Boys” rehabilitation.
Speaking during an award ceremony at the Police Officers Mess in GRA Ikeja, Lagos, Ihediwa urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to consider reorienting these individuals towards becoming information technology specialists.
Ihediwa, a renowned software developer honored at the event, emphasized the importance of redirecting the knowledge of these cyber fraudsters into meaningful ventures instead of allowing them to languish in detention or face destructive dissolution.
He pointed out that while many of them may possess educated backgrounds, their inherent knowledge often diverges from the positive knowledge required for societal development.
The cybersecurity specialist’s proposal aligns with the vision of Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, who revealed plans to train repentant internet fraudsters at his proposed technology park. The training program aims to equip them with advanced Information and Communication Technology skills, along with other vocational skills.
During the award ceremony, Mr Chris Oji, a representative of the award host Cornerstone.ng, commended Ihediwa for his outstanding contributions to software development and information technology in Nigeria.