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Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has urged Nigerian youths to take a proactive stance against corruption and internet fraud, emphasizing that their active participation is vital to securing a brighter future.
Represented by the Kaduna Zonal Commandant, Benedict Ubi, the EFCC chairman spoke at the EFCC Town Hall Meeting held in Kaduna to mark the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day.
Olukoyede stressed that corruption disproportionately hampers the potential of young people, urging them to confront the menace with unity and resolve. He warned that the allure of quick wealth through cybercrime leads to a bleak future.
According to him, “The scourge of internet fraud has drawn many youths into criminality, but there is no lasting success in such pursuits. Integrity is the only pathway to sustainable success,” he said.
The EFCC Chairman praised the theme of the 2024 Anti-Corruption Day: “Uniting the Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” calling it a call to action for young Nigerians to work collaboratively to combat graft. He encouraged the formation of integrity clubs and active participation in anti-corruption campaigns, urging youths to serve as whistleblowers against corrupt practices in their communities.
He further noted: “No structure can defeat corruption without individual resolve. Youth must make a personal commitment to integrity. Reject the shortcut of corruption because, as we say, shortcuts often cut people short.”
The event saw the attendance of the Kaduna State Governor, represented by his Special Adviser on Stakeholders, Abdul Ahmed Ishaq; the Commissioner of Justice, Sule Shuaibu, SAN; military and paramilitary officials; students from various schools; and traditional and religious leaders.