Selar launches pilot edition of the Smart Hustle Initiative to educate students on internet fraud and digital responsibility

As part of activities marking International Fraud Awareness Week 2025, Selar, Africa’s leading creator commerce platform, is launching the pilot edition of the Smart Hustle Initiative, a school outreach campaign designed to educate secondary school students on the realities of internet fraud, digital responsibility, and ethical entrepreneurship.

Themed “The Internet Is a Goldmine, Not a Trap,” the initiative aims to help young Nigerians understand how to leverage the internet for positive, sustainable opportunities rather than fall into fraudulent online practices.

Speaking on the motivation behind the initiative, Douglas Kendyson, CEO of Selar, said:

“Since the beginning of the year, something that’s been very important to me is fraud culture in Nigeria and, most importantly, how it can be reduced. To that effect, we started exploring the possibility of hosting programs and workshops for young people and my biggest shock while researching and planning was the sheer number of people who are exposed to internet fraud as early as secondary school. It made me realize just how layered this issue is and how important it is to start these conversations early.”

He also emphasized that while the internet has created immense opportunities for young people, it has also exposed them to misinformation and get-rich-quick schemes. 

“We want to show students that the internet can be a powerful tool for growth when used responsibly. Our goal is to shape a generation that sees value in creativity, integrity, and innovation,” he added.

The pilot edition of the outreach will run from November 12 to 26, 2025, across three Lagos schools — Lagos City Senior College (Sabo-Yaba), Gbaja Boys Senior High School (Surulere), and Gbaja Girls Senior High School (Surulere). The sessions will feature experts in law, digital business, and media who will engage students on topics such as cyber ethics, online safety, and sustainable digital careers.

Through this initiative, Selar seeks to:

● Raise awareness about the dangers and legal consequences of internet fraud.

● Promote ethical, sustainable online income pathways

● Equip students with resources, mentorship, and positive role models to guide their digital journey.

This pilot edition marks the beginning of Selar’s long-term commitment to making the Smart Hustle Initiative a recurring program dedicated to youth empowerment and digital ethics across Nigeria and Africa.

Reaffirming Selar’s commitment to lasting impact, Douglas added:

“We’re putting in the work to make sure this isn’t yet another initiative that fades away when the cameras turn off. It may take years to truly see societal change but we’re committed to taking this first step and several others that will need to come after it. Fraud is not and will never be a solution.”

The campaign is proudly supported by Condia Media, UAC Foods, and Nexascale, whose contributions are helping drive this impactful outreach.