The Member representing Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Chief Collins Ugochukwu Iheonunekwu (OCHAKE), has charged students to steer clear of cybercrime and become ambassadors of responsible digital behavior.
Hon. Iheonunekwu who gave the charge at St. Anthony’s Comprehensive Secondary School, Nbawsi and Divine Light International College, Obikabia both in Isiala Ngwa North LGA while enlightening students on the dangers of Cybercrime Offenses and Cyber Laws in Nigeria, emphasized the urgent need for young people to understand the growing dangers and legal consequences of cyber offenses in Nigeria.
The state Lawmaker while deliberating on cybercrime trends, preventive measures, and the framework of Nigerian cyber laws, expressed concern over the alarming rise in internet fraud and digital abuse among Nigerian youth, and warned that ignorance of the law is not an excuse or defense.
“The internet is a powerful tool but when misused, it becomes a weapon that can destroy futures.” Hon. Iheonunekwu stated.
He Highlighted the provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, noting that the law imposes severe penalties for offenses such as hacking, identity theft, cyberbullying, and online fraud, and encouraged students to educate themselves about these legal standards and to report any suspicious online activities.
“We cannot allow our brilliant minds to be lost to cybercrime. Let us build a culture of integrity, even in the digital space,” he added.
Hon. Iheonunekwu also commended the federal government’s ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime through awareness campaigns, technology investments, and collaboration with international law enforcement agencies, and called on school authorities to incorporate digital citizenship and cybersecurity education into their curricular to better prepare students for the digital era.
In their speeches, the Principal of St. Anthony’s Comprehensive Secondary School, Nbawsi, Mr Christian Chinatu and his Divine Light International College Obikabia counterpart, Sir I. N Osondu, noted that as the nation continues to expand its digital infrastructure and global internet presence, the role of young people in securing the cyber environment remains critical and appreciated Hon. Chief Iheonunekwu’s timely message which serves as both a wake-up call and a roadmap for ethical online behavior.
In a vote of thanks, the Senior Prefect of St. Anthony’s Comprehensive Secondary School Nbawsi, Herbert Solomon and Kingsley Emmanuel of Divine Light International College Obikabia, thanked Hon. Chief Collins Ugochukwu Iheonunekwu for enlightening them on the dangers associated with Cybercrime Offenses and Cyber Laws in Nigeria and pledged to become peer educators in their communities.
The event featured question and answer sessions where Hon. Iheonunekwu gave practical tips for online safety.
