Lead fight against corruption, EFCC chair urges youths
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has called on Nigerian youths to form a united front against corruption and internet fraud in the country.
Represented by Benedict Uba of the Kaduna Zonal Command of the EFCC, Olukoyede made this appeal during the EFCC Town Hall meeting held in Kaduna on Thursday to mark the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day.
According to Olukoyede, corruption affects all age groups but has a more significant impact on the prospects and opportunities of young people.
“Corruption affects every age group, but it bites harder against the prospects and possibilities of youths. This makes it more binding on young people to tackle it more fiercely than any other age group,” he stated.
Olukoyede emphasised that corruption limits opportunities for self-actualisation and creates an unequal society driven by favouritism and nepotism. He also highlighted how corruption increases the vulnerability of youths to fraudulent practices, particularly internet fraud, which can have devastating consequences on their future.
He urged young people to combat corruption by forming associations, clubs, and think tanks that promote integrity and good values.
“Corruption makes our youths vulnerable to fraudulent practices. The allure of easy money is drawing young people into criminality. Any young person tainted by cybercrime faces a grim future. There is no sustainable success in internet fraud,” he warned.
He encouraged youths to support anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and expose corrupt practices in their communities. He also highlighted platforms such as the Integrity Club for primary and secondary school students and the Zero Tolerance Club for tertiary institutions as ways for youths to engage actively in the fight against corruption.
The event was attended by dignitaries, including the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani (represented by his Special Adviser on Stakeholders, Abdul Ahmed Ishaq), the Commissioner of Justice, Sule Shuaibu (SAN), military and paramilitary officers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and students from various schools across Kaduna.
