By Tina Amanda
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has called on Nigerian youths to take a leading role in the fight against corruption, emphasizing their critical position in shaping the nation’s future.
Olukoyede made this appeal in his speech delivered during the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day celebration, themed “Uniting the Youths Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity” The speech was presented by the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE1) Adebayo Adeniyi, at the Port Harcourt event.
Highlighting the devastating impact of corruption, Olukoyede noted that it disproportionately affects young people by depriving them of opportunities for self-actualization and progress.
He described corruption as a system that fosters favoritism, nepotism, and other forms of discrimination, leaving youths vulnerable to exploitation and societal setbacks.
He also addressed the rising issue of internet fraud, cautioning against the allure of quick wealth. “Any young person tainted with cybercrime faces a grim future. There is no sustainable success in internet fraud”, while urging youths to channel their energies into progressive, integrity-driven innovations.
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Olukoyede encouraged youths to establish and participate in groups such as the EFCC’s Integrity Clubs in primary and secondary schools and Zero Tolerance Clubs in tertiary institutions to promote values of accountability.
“At this juncture, let me point out the route that can be taken by youths to achieve unity in the fight against corruption. One of those routes is deliberate synergy against graft. They can do this by forming associations, clubs, think tanks, and societies that promote good values. It is high time youths joined hands together to pursue values that will add strength to their lives.
“Another means of uniting against corruption is to lend forces and voices in support of activities of anti-corruption agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Progress-inclined youths should be more vibrant in identifying with the activities of the Commission. There are structures in place for active engagement with youths at the EFCC.
“At the primary and secondary school level, we have the Integrity Club, which serves as a rallying point for students. At the Tertiary Institution level, we have the Zero Tolerance Club. They are all platforms for engagement against corrupt practices.
“Youths can also unite against corruption by exposing tendencies and actions that run counter to accountability and right values in their neighborhood. This is simply a whistle-blowing opportunity for youths, there is no way corruption can be tackled if we allow it around us without a challenge. Youths have formidable roles to play in this regard.
“More important in this crusade against corruption is the overarching necessity of individual and corporate accountability. This entails making a decision against corruption.”
In his closing remarks, Olukoyede reminded youths that their future depends on the choices they make today. He urged them to reject shortcuts and embrace integrity as a foundation for personal and national development.
“The youths hold the rod of the future in any nation, let them use their brains and brawn to fashion out the future they desire for themselves. The EFCC is always willing to lend a hand in this regard.”
He also announced the establishment of a Cyber Crime Research Centre by the EFCC to build capacity against internet fraud, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to engaging and empowering young Nigerians.
The event served as a rallying call for young people to take ownership of the fight against corruption, shaping a future anchored on integrity and accountability.
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