The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has urged Nigerian youths to avoid cybercrime, stressing that it offers no future.
In a statement released by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale on Friday, Olukoyede made this call during a courtesy visit from the Committee of Youth Mobilization and Sensitization (CYMS), led by Chief Obinna Nwaka, at the Commission’s corporate headquarters in Abuja.
Acknowledging the intelligence and skills of many youths, Olukoyede encouraged them to redirect their talents towards productive activities rather than engaging in internet fraud. He reassured the Commission’s commitment to guiding youths away from destructive paths and called on the public and stakeholders to help combat cybercrime.
“We must not allow our youths to derail. We have allowed it over a period of time and we have seen the destruction. Some of our youths are smart and skillful. It is just a matter of sensitizing them towards how to channel their talents to productive engagements. There is no future in cybercrime,” Olukoyede stated.
Highlighting the importance of the EFCC, Olukoyede pondered the dire consequences if the Commission ceased operations even for a month, lamenting the negative image of Nigeria abroad due to the actions of a few.
“Travel abroad and see the humiliating treatment they give Nigerians. Once they see your Green Passport, they take you aside from the queue and subject you to a thorough search because of the bad image that a few of our youths have created for the country. Nigerians need EFCC,” he said.
Olukoyede also criticized public office holders who avoid accountability, pointing out that such impunity fosters corruption. He appreciated CYMS for its anti-corruption efforts and youth re-orientation initiatives.
Earlier, Chief Obinna Nwaka praised the EFCC’s dedication to fighting corruption and protecting the future of Nigerian youths. He expressed concern over some youths’ disregard for their generation’s future and lauded Olukoyede for the Commission’s efforts to curb naira mutilation.
“What you are doing to restore respect for the naira can only happen when we have somebody that is firm and dogged in a cause,” Nwaka remarked.
