The Lagos state commissioner for youth and social development, Mobolaji Ogunlende has denied knowledge of a press statement encouraging youths in the state to embrace ID.me.
According to Wikipedia, ID.me is an American online identity network company that allows people to provide proof of their legal identity online. ID.me digital credentials can be used to access government services, healthcare logins, or discounts from retailers. The company is based in McLean, Virginia.
The platform is popular amongst internet fraudsters who use it to create false identities in order to claim undeserved benefits and dupe unsuspecting individuals.
Ogunlende, in a disclaimer, posted on his official X handle on Monday, said the statement is handiwork of impersonators whom the ministry is working assiduously to fish out.
He urged youths and lagosians at large to always fact-check messages to confirm their veracity. This is as he listed out his official communication channels adding that any information not posted on the channels should not be regarded.
He went on to call for continued cooperation for growth in the state and upholding of the principles that define Lagos as a beacon of progress.
The statement read: “Dear Youth of Lagos, My attention has been drawn to a press statement circulating on social media, which I am not aware of & have no association with. The message urging youth to embrace ID.me is misleading and unprofessional, likely a product of impersonators I vehemently condemn and disassociate myself from this unofficial statement promoting illegal activities. The Ministry is leveraging technology apparatus to fish out the unscrupulous elements behind this, Lagosians are hereby employed to be wary of messages of this nature and always fact check by getting across to the Ministry to authenticate its veracity or otherwise.
“My official communication channels are; @mobolajiogunlende – Instagram, Mobolaji Ogunlende – Facebook, Twitter – @Mo_Ogunlende. @lasgmysd, and @lagosstategovt.
“Any information outside these channels should be considered unauthorized. Let’s work together for positive growth, upholding the principles that define Lagos as a beacon of progress.“
