The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has called on Nigerian youths to unite in the fight against corruption.
Speaking at a Town Hall meeting in the Benin Zonal Office to mark the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day, themed “Uniting Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” Mr. Olukoyede, represented by the Acting Zonal Director, Benin, Mr. Effa Okim, emphasized the vital role of young people in building a future founded on integrity and accountability.
According to Mr. Olukoyede, corruption has a particularly negative impact on youths, limiting their opportunities and fostering inequality.
“Corruption affects every age group but hits hardest on the prospects and possibilities of youths,” he said.
He expressed concern over the rising trend of internet fraud among young Nigerians, describing it as a “vortex of criminality” with far-reaching consequences.
“This explains why our institutions of higher learning struggle to dissuade students from engaging in internet fraud. Any young person involved in cybercrime faces a bleak future,” he warned.
Mr. Olukoyede stressed the need for collaboration and innovation in combating corruption, noting that a corrupt environment stifles progress. “Youths need to collaborate for progressive innovations,” he stated.
He urged young people to serve as watchdogs in their communities and challenge unethical practices within government institutions. “Youths must raise a united voice to confront unethical practices at every level of government,” he emphasized.
The EFCC chairman outlined practical steps for youths to unite against corruption, encouraging them to establish clubs, associations, and think tanks that promote good values.
He highlighted the EFCC’s platforms, such as the Integrity Club for primary and secondary school students and the Zero Tolerance Club for tertiary institutions, as channels for active involvement.
“No matter the structure any youth may choose to form against corrupt practices, without a personal commitment to reject such practices, no framework can succeed,” he said. “Personal choices and decisions against corruption matter more than any external force.”
To empower the youth, Mr. Olukoyede noted that the EFCC has implemented several initiatives, including the establishment of a Cyber Crime Research Centre to strengthen the fight against internet fraud.
“Youths hold the future of any nation. They should harness their intellect and energy to create the future they desire for themselves,” he concluded.
The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including Mr. Festus Alekhe, Chairman of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council and Mr. Idemudia Osifo, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin, represented by Mr. Kenechukwu Ofoedu;
