The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has admonished youths in the country to follow the path of hard work and integrity and shun the desire to get rich quickly.
He gave the admonition on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, through the Acting Director, Benin Zonal Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Effa Okim, when the Executives of Nigerian Universities Engineering Students Association, NUESA, paid a courtesy visit to the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Commission.
“We must develop hatred for evil and wrongdoings. It should not be associated with students. The idea of getting rich quickly has destroyed us. It has to stop. We must come together to tackle the menace,” he said.
Olukoyede, who bemoaned the alarming rate of students’ involvement in internet fraud, attributed the trend to greed, lack of contentment and erosion of societal values. He noted that many youths involved in internet fraud were simply recalcitrant, as they were not ignorant of the consequences of their actions, but took a deliberate decision to make money without commensurate hard work. He charged the students to devote themselves to their studies and shun extravagant lifestyles, which put them under undue pressure.
“Some have decided to do what they want. It is not because of ignorance but a decision they have taken. When you see a 21-year-old student buying a car for N30 million, it means something is wrong. I urge you to avoid such, so as not to put yourself under unnecessary pressure and destroy your future. Work hard and be dedicated to your studies, and the sky will be your limit,” he said.
The president of NUESA, Comrade Joshua Ojo Idemudian, who commended the Commission for its efforts in tackling the menace of economic and financial crimes stated that the Association’s members came to seek partnership and collaboration with the Commission in enlightening students and youths on the consequences of internet fraud in the forthcoming National Conference of Engineering Students.
In a similar development, the executives of Young African Leaders Initiatives, YALI, Edo State Network, on Wednesday, May 21, paid a courtesy visit to the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Commission. The coordinator of YALI Network Edo, Chinye Patrick-Biose, disclosed that the essence of the visit was to explore areas of collaboration with the Commission. “We hope this opens the door for a meaningful relationship between both organisations. Our goal is to equip young people with practical knowledge and skills in civil engagement, administration and entrepreneurship. There is so much we can do together in shaping a saner and more accountable society. The EFCC has an important role to play in helping reorient young minds, and we will be glad to walk that path side by side,” she said.
Okim, in his remarks, assured the YALI executives of the Commission’s willingness to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders in tackling the menace of corruption. “One of our core values is collaboration. Our doors are open for meaningful and fruitful collaboration,” he stated.
