The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has issued a clarion call to Nigerian students to lead the charge against graft, warning that the nation’s future hinges on the younger generation’s commitment to accountability.
The charge was delivered on Tuesday, February 25, 2026, during a study tour of the Commission’s Corporate Headquarters by students of Royal Steps International Academy, Abuja.
Representing the EFCC Chairman, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE I) Tony Orilade, Head of the Public Interface Unit, urged the visiting students to see themselves as primary stakeholders in the crusade for a transparent Nigeria.
“Take ownership of the Commission’s anti-corruption fight to secure a better future for yourselves,” Olukoyede stated. “You should equally know that the nation’s future depends on your commitment to integrity and accountability.”
He further cautioned the students against the silence that allows corruption to thrive, stressing that the “desired future” can only be built on a foundation of ethical behaviour.
“If you see something, say something. Even if it involves people close to you, speak up,” the EFCC boss added.
In an effort to deepen the students’ legal literacy, Olukoyede highlighted often-overlooked financial infractions, such as the issuance of “dud” or bounced cheques. He explained that issuing a bank cheque that is returned uncashed is a serious offence because it systematically undermines public confidence in the financial sector.
Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE II) Aisha Mohammed, Head of the Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit, detailed the Commission’s strategic preventive architecture designed to instil values in citizens from an early age.
She noted that the EFCC has established Integrity Clubs for primary and secondary schools, Zero Tolerance Clubs for tertiary institutions, and NYSC Community Development Service (CDS) groups for graduates.
“The goal is to ensure that the fight against corruption begins in childhood and continues into adulthood,” Mohammed noted, urging the students to act as ambassadors of integrity in their various communities.
Addressing the modern threat of digital fraud, Inspector of the EFCC Kayode Eniola provided a technical breakdown of cybercrimes, including phishing, hacking, and romance scams.
“Hacking involves unauthorised access to someone’s system or network,” Eniola explained, emphasising that the fallout of such crimes, ranging from financial loss to permanent reputational damage, can be devastating. She advised the students to maintain strict digital hygiene by using strong passwords, updating software regularly, and ensuring they log out of shared devices.
The educational visit concluded with a high-energy interactive session and a quiz competition. Two students emerged as winners, demonstrating a keen grasp of the Commission’s mandate and the laws governing economic crimes in Nigeria. #securitynewsalert.com
