Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has charged young women across Nigeria to shun corruption and channel their creative energy toward integrity, hard work, and national development. Olukoyede gave the charge on Sunday, August 23, 2026, in a goodwill message delivered at the graduation and award ceremony of the African Girl Guide (AGG) 12-Week Leadership Exposure Programme, held in Abuja under the theme, "Leading Beyond the Programme: Sustaining Purpose, Influence, and Impact."
Represented by the Head of the Commission's Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit, Assistant Commander of EFCC, ACE II Aisha Mohammed, Olukoyede said the training provided to the graduates had prepared them to make meaningful contributions to society. He noted that the programme's theme was exactly what Nigeria needed, pointing to the destructive impact of the "yahoo yahoo" and "get-rich-quick" mentality on many Nigerian youths. "In EFCC, we fight the 'yahoo yahoo' and the 'get-rich-quick' mentality that is destroying many of our youth. But we know law enforcement alone is not enough; we need home training; we need the Girl Guide training," he said.
Olukoyede stressed that corruption begins with a compromise of character and urged the graduates to lead with purpose, use their influence positively, and say no to fraudulent activities, shortcuts, examination malpractice, and bribery. "Be the girl who says no to fraud, no to shortcuts, and yes to hard work. Your influence is powerful when you pool it together," he said. He assured the graduates of the EFCC's continued collaboration with youth organisations to create opportunities for young people to positively harness their talents, adding, "Nigeria's future is in your hands, and we are counting on you to be women of integrity in school, in business, in government, and in the home."
The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, urged the graduates to embrace integrity, confidence, courage, responsibility, and continuous learning as essential leadership qualities. Represented by Margaret Yenami, Deputy Director of the Abuse Rights Narcotics Department, Issa-Onilu noted that the National Values Charter was designed to reconnect Nigerians to the values that define the nation, with leadership as one of its key principles. "Leadership is not all about wielding authority, giving command, or giving orders. It is all about your ability to create positive change, do what is right, and inspire others," he said, charging the graduates to represent Nigeria positively wherever they found themselves.
The Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Binta Adamu Bello, described the African Girl Guide as a critical partner in the fight against human trafficking and other forms of abuse. Represented by the agency's Director of Public Enlightenment, Kehinde Akomolafe, Bello noted that the programme had equipped girls with the knowledge and confidence to protect themselves and others from exploitation. She charged the young women to know their rights, protect their dreams, and become guides to others.
The Founder of the African Girl Guide, Jindu Peter Elueze, expressed appreciation to government agencies, partners, parents, and other stakeholders for supporting the programme. Elueze stressed the importance of empowering women and girls, stating that "the value of a woman should not be underestimated." He described the programme as a journey of transformation and empowerment and expressed confidence that the participants had been equipped to make meaningful contributions to society.
The ceremony was also marked by the presentation of "Distinguished Integrity" and "Legacy Advocacy" awards to Olukoyede in recognition of his outstanding commitment to integrity, ethical leadership, accountability, and his valuable contributions to inspiring young women to become principled and responsible leaders through the African Girl Guide programme.
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