Over the past few days, many young Nigerians have received SMS messages claiming they were shortlisted as beneficiaries of the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalization Programme (YEIDEP). These messages, often sent via SMS, WhatsApp, or social media, have caused confusion and concern among hopeful applicants.
The Federal Ministry of Youth Development (FMYD) has now issued a clear statement to set the record straight: no official SMS has been sent to any YEIDEP applicant or beneficiary.
Contents
What the Ministry Said
FMYD warned the public to be cautious of messages claiming to be from the ministry. Some of these scams ask recipients to submit bank details, business plans, or even pay money to access funds. The ministry stressed:
- They never request payments for registration, training, or grants.
- Any official announcement will be made only through verified ministry channels and social media accounts.
These reminders are crucial because scammers often exploit the excitement surrounding government youth programs. A typical scam message reads something like:
“Dear applicant, we’re excited to inform you that you have been selected as a beneficiary of the FMYD YEIDEP initiative. Kindly submit your bankable business plan and your account details for your business fund disbursement. Congratulations.”
While convincing at first glance, these messages do not come from the ministry and are designed to steal personal information.
What Applicants Need to Know
- No SMS shortlist has been sent. YEIDEP has not communicated any selection to beneficiaries via text.
- No disbursement dates have been announced. The N50,000 to N500,000 grant has no official release date yet.
- Only the official portal and verified ministry social media handles provide legitimate updates.
Currently, registration is still open for YEIDEP Batch B on the official portal. This is the only legitimate way to participate in the programme.
Expert Perspective
From experience covering youth empowerment initiatives, scams like these emerge whenever government programs promise tangible benefits. Scammers exploit hope and urgency, mimicking official communications to appear authentic.
A simple rule of thumb: if a message pressures you to act fast, share bank details, or pay money, it is almost certainly fraudulent. Government programs operate transparently and never rush beneficiaries privately.
Why This Matters
Ignoring scam messages protects applicants from financial loss and identity theft. By relying only on official communication channels, applicants can focus on preparing their applications and business plans without unnecessary stress.
Actionable Takeaway
If you receive a suspicious SMS or message claiming to be from YEIDEP:
Do not respond, do not share your bank details, and verify the information through the official FMYD social media handles or YEIDEP portal.
Staying informed is your best protection and ensures that genuine opportunities are not missed.
