Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Henry Owen
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has urged youths in the South-East to become defenders of integrity and the common good, warning that corruption and cybercrime threaten both personal futures and national development.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 4th Assembly and Seminar of the Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), Enugu State Chapter, Olukoyede called on young people to reject shortcuts, illicit gains, and dishonest practices. He stressed that “the struggle for a transparent society must not be left to others. It must begin with us: in our schools, workplaces, communities, and digital spaces. We must become whistleblowers of truth, ambassadors of accountability, and defenders of integrity.”
The EFCC boss highlighted internet fraud as a growing menace, saying it “not only destroys lives, it erodes the very fabric of our society and it leads to criminal records, lost opportunities and a future filled with regret.” He warned students and youths that cybercrime brings legal, financial, and psychological consequences, including arrests, imprisonment, forfeiture of assets, and lifelong stigma.
Olukoyede also encouraged investment in information technology skills, such as digital marketing, cybersecurity, data analysis, and software development, describing them as sustainable alternatives to cybercrime. “Skills in information technology provide an avenue to build a brighter future, one that is not dependent on the risky allure of internet fraud. When you invest in skills, you invest in your potential,” he added.
At a related youth capacity-building event in Nsukka, the EFCC boss emphasized that young people must resist the “get-rich-quick syndrome” and instead focus on education, skills acquisition, and ethical entrepreneurship to transform their communities positively.
Barrister Donatus Chikwendu Ugwu, representing the convener of the Foundation, explained that the training aimed to sensitize youths on the dangers of crime while equipping them with entrepreneurial skills to deter criminal behavior.
Olukoyede concluded by reminding youths that “if integrity collapses among young people, the future of our dear nation collapses with it,” reinforcing the critical role of today’s youth in shaping a transparent and prosperous Nigeria.
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