The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has urged young Nigerians to embrace integrity and take active roles in the fight against corruption, describing students as critical stakeholders in the nation’s future.
Olukoyede gave the charge during a study tour by students of Fairview Academy to the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, on Thursday.
Represented by the Head of the Enlightenment and Re-orientation Unit, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Aisha Mohammad, the EFCC boss encouraged the students to become ambassadors of integrity in their schools, homes and communities.
“You are stakeholders in the future of this country. Just as your parents sacrifice to secure your future, Nigeria is also investing in you because you are the leaders of tomorrow,” he said.
Olukoyede said the younger generation remained the nation’s greatest hope and urged them to uphold moral values capable of repositioning the country for sustainable development.
He also called on the students to support the anti-graft agency as “foot soldiers” and whistle-blowers in the campaign against corruption.
“The EFCC cannot fight corruption alone. We need young people like you to stand up for integrity, reject wrongdoing and speak out against corruption wherever you see it,” he added.
The EFCC chairman warned the students against examination malpractice, cybercrime, internet fraud and other unethical practices that could jeopardise their future.
Students at the event were also sensitised on the dangers of cybercrime by Deputy Superintendent of the EFCC, Abdulhameed Wodi, who described cybercrime as unlawful activities carried out through digital platforms and electronic devices.
According to Wodi, common forms of cybercrime include romance scams, identity theft, hacking, impersonation, phishing and online fraud schemes.
He noted that many young people engage in cybercrime because of peer pressure, ignorance and the desire for quick wealth, warning that such acts carry severe legal and social consequences.
“Do not click on suspicious links. Verify information before sharing it online. Be careful with unknown websites and friend requests. Your digital activities can remain online permanently and may affect your future career and reputation,” he warned.
Speaking further, Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, Gbenga Akinwande, said the Commission’s Enlightenment and Re-orientation Unit focuses on preventing crimes through public awareness and value reorientation programmes.
“It is cheaper and easier to prevent crime than to investigate and prosecute it. That is why the EFCC is investing heavily in enlightenment and reorientation, especially among young people,” he said.
Akinwande explained that the EFCC conducts awareness campaigns in schools and communities on cybercrime, internet fraud, money laundering and corruption, while also establishing Integrity Clubs to groom morally upright young Nigerians.
He urged the students to extend the anti-corruption campaign beyond the classroom by becoming positive influences in their communities.
