Foundation Urges Young People To Steer Clear Of Crime

The Nwakaego Initiative and Empowerment Foundation has urged youths to prioritize legal education and awareness to prevent avoidable crimes and imprisonment.

Founder Nwakaego Eze revealed that the foundation was inspired by her visits to correctional centres earlier this year, where she observed that many inmates were young people aged between 18 and 21 who lacked basic legal knowledge. According to Eze, several of these youths were incarcerated for offences committed out of ignorance or naivety.

She highlighted that many young people are unaware that certain crimes, such as defilement, carry severe penalties under Lagos State law, including life imprisonment. Eze emphasized the importance of introducing legal education at the secondary school level to help youths understand their rights, responsibilities, and the consequences of unlawful actions.

“The foundation’s sensitization programme brought together law enforcement officers, legal practitioners, widows, and community stakeholders to educate youths on both common and lesser-known crimes, including cybercrime and minor offences that carry serious legal consequences,” she explained. Eze further noted that empowering women and educating youths remain essential to nation-building.

Lawyer Chris Agonwu described the initiative as timely and impactful, stating that awareness and education are critical tools in preventing crime. He warned youths against seeking shortcuts to success, emphasizing that crime leads to shame, loss of freedom, and long-term repercussions for both individuals and their families. Agonwu advised young people to resist peer pressure and pursue lawful paths to achievement, while urging parents to reinforce the lessons shared during the programme.

Reformed ex-inmate Godfrey John, who spent over six years in custody, shared his experience, describing prison life as harsh but transformative. He praised the programme for educating youths about “hidden crimes” that are often committed unknowingly, beyond widely recognized offences such as armed robbery and rape. John credited NGO-led interventions for providing him with education and digital skills and urged young people to exercise caution in their interactions to safeguard their freedom and future.