The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has urged Nigerian youths to steer clear of internet fraud and instead channel their energy into education, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Olukoyede made this appeal at a youth sensitization program organized by the Coalition of Nigerian Youths on Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development. The event, themed “Uniting Nigerian Youths in the Fight against Cultism, Internet Fraud, Money Laundering, Drug Abuse, Child-Trafficking, and Economic Sabotage,” was held at the Army Resource Centre in Abuja.
Represented by Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Aisha Muhammed, the Chairman emphasized the critical role young people play in the fight against economic and financial crimes. He called on Nigerian youths to uphold ethical behavior and focus on meaningful pursuits that contribute positively to the nation’s development.
“There is no virtue in deceit, no honour in impersonation, and no sustainable wealth in theft. Nation builders cannot emerge from those who destroy businesses. The real path to success lies in education, innovation, and entrepreneurship,” he said.
He warned against the loss of moral values among youths, stressing that cybercrime tarnishes Nigeria’s image globally and undermines the nation’s future. He encouraged young Nigerians to draw inspiration from global peers who are making significant strides in science, technology, and enterprise.
Also speaking at the event, Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande—represented by Chief Obinna Nwaka—highlighted the interconnected nature of social vices such as cultism, cybercrime, drug abuse, and child trafficking. He described them as symptoms of deeper societal issues that require a united and coordinated response from the government and stakeholders.
Kabir Adamu, Managing Director of Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited, attributed many of Nigeria’s current challenges to corruption. He noted that corruption diverts resources meant for youth empowerment and job creation, fueling frustration and alienation among young people.
“Corruption creates an environment of limited opportunities, eroding trust in institutions and pushing many young Nigerians toward criminal activities,” Adamu said.
Ambassador Ade Mario, President of CONYSSA, called for a unified and strategic approach to tackling insecurity and social vices across the country. He cautioned against politicizing security issues and urged leaders to prioritize genuine solutions that yield tangible results.
“The more we politicize insecurity, the more we lose as a nation,” he warned.
